The Mehbooba Mufti-led Jammu and Kashmir government in India has said that firing pellets on protesting people was &ldquo;not unconstitutional&rdquo;. The state government said this in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Kashmir High Court Bar Association seeking a ban on use of pellet guns in the conflict-torn region. 
 
The government, facing severe criticism over the use of metal pellets, said that they could not be banned. 
 
The ongoing unrest in the Kashmir valley has claimed 75 people while injuring many others. 
 
&ldquo;It is submitted here that the Hon&#39;ble Court cannot guide the law enforcing agencies to act in a particular way/manner. The court being not an expert does not recommend as to how the law and order situations are to be controlled,&quot; J&amp;K government&#39;s advocate general Jahangir Ganaie, through an affidavit submitted in the High Court, said. 
 
A pellet is made of small metal balls &mdash; usually aluminum and can pierce into the body of a person. 
 
&quot;The pellet gun is a modern method to deal with crowd control, particularly agitating mobs who resort to heavy stone pelting, rioting, arson, at the instigation of militants and separatists with the intention of causing loss of life of police personnel and those of security forces, besides the public and private property,&quot; the affidavit stated. 
 
The Kashmir Bar Association had argued in the PIL that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on crowd control does not apply to firing of pellets as these spread up to a diameter of six meters when fired and thus the expression &lsquo;below the knee&rsquo; does not hold ground. The pellets don&rsquo;t go in one direction when fired, the PIL said. 
 
The government has said that the law enforcement agencies start with lathi-charge, tear-gas shells, stun grenades and when these methods fail, the force is proportionately increased.

The state government said this in response to a public interest litigation seeking a ban on use of pellet guns in the conflict-torn region

The Mehbooba Mufti-led Jammu and Kashmir government in India has said that firing pellets on protesting people was “not unconstitutional”. The state government said this in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Kashmir High Court Bar Association seeking a ban on use of pellet guns in the conflict-torn region. The government, facing severe criticism over the use of metal pellets, said that they could not be banned. The ongoing unrest in the Kashmir valley has claimed 75 people while injuring many others. “It is submitted here that the Hon'ble Court cannot guide the law enforcing agencies to act in a particular way/manner. The court being not an expert does not recommend as to how the law and order situations are to be controlled," J&K government's advocate general Jahangir Ganaie, through an affidavit submitted in the High Court, said. A pellet is made of small metal balls — usually aluminum and can pierce into the body of a person. "The pellet gun is a modern method to deal with crowd control, particularly agitating mobs who resort to heavy stone pelting, rioting, arson, at the instigation of militants and separatists with the intention of causing loss of life of police personnel and those of security forces, besides the public and private property," the affidavit stated. The Kashmir Bar Association had argued in the PIL that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on crowd control does not apply to firing of pellets as these spread up to a diameter of six meters when fired and thus the expression ‘below the knee’ does not hold ground. The pellets don’t go in one direction when fired, the PIL said. The government has said that the law enforcement agencies start with lathi-charge, tear-gas shells, stun grenades and when these methods fail, the force is proportionately increased.

Kashmir unrest: Government says pellet guns cannot be banned

The Kashmir all party delegation, a team of representatives from all political parties of India, asked the Central and the state governments to take steps for a dialogue with &ldquo;all stakeholders&rdquo; from the state. 
 
Indian interior minister Rajnath Singh today chaired the meeting to discuss and assess the situation in Kashmir. 
 
Kashmir, the northern most Indian state, has been witnessing violent protests following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen&nbsp;militant commander Burhan Wani on June 8. More than 70 have died and thousands injured so far in the conflict. 
 
Rajnath Singh made it clear that there would be no compromise on national sovereignty. 
 
At the three-hour long meeting of the delegation, demands were made for the&nbsp;resumption of India-Pakistan dialogue, confidence building measures, and a &quot;dual track&quot; approach for bringing peace in Kashmir. 
 
The political parties attending the meeting appealed to the people of the state to shun the path of violence and resolve all issues through dialogue and discussion. 
 
&quot;The members of the delegation are of the opinion that there is no place for violence in a civilised society. There can be no compromise on issue of national sovereignty,&quot; the resolution said. 
 
The delegation statement asked the Central and state governments &quot;to take steps for a dialogue with all stakeholders&quot; without making any making any reference to separatists.&nbsp; 
 
Separatist Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani refused to meet them. 
 
Asked whether separatists would also come under the purview of &quot;stakeholders&quot;, minister of state in the Prime Minister&#39;s Office said the interior minister is open for dialogue with &quot;all stakeholders&quot;. He did not elaborate. 
 
To a similar question, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said the separatist amalgamate is part of the &quot;all stakeholders&quot;. 
 
(WION)

At the three-hour long meeting of the delegation, demands were made for the?resumption of Indo-Pak dialogue, confidence building measures

The Kashmir all party delegation, a team of representatives from all political parties of India, asked the Central and the state governments to take steps for a dialogue with “all stakeholders” from the state. Indian interior minister Rajnath Singh today chaired the meeting to discuss and assess the situation in Kashmir. Kashmir, the northern most Indian state, has been witnessing violent protests following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander Burhan Wani on June 8. More than 70 have died and thousands injured so far in the conflict. Rajnath Singh made it clear that there would be no compromise on national sovereignty. At the three-hour long meeting of the delegation, demands were made for the resumption of India-Pakistan dialogue, confidence building measures, and a "dual track" approach for bringing peace in Kashmir. The political parties attending the meeting appealed to the people of the state to shun the path of violence and resolve all issues through dialogue and discussion. "The members of the delegation are of the opinion that there is no place for violence in a civilised society. There can be no compromise on issue of national sovereignty," the resolution said. The delegation statement asked the Central and state governments "to take steps for a dialogue with all stakeholders" without making any making any reference to separatists. Separatist Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani refused to meet them. Asked whether separatists would also come under the purview of "stakeholders", minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office said the interior minister is open for dialogue with "all stakeholders". He did not elaborate. To a similar question, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said the separatist amalgamate is part of the "all stakeholders". (WION)

All party delegation for dialogue with all stakeholders in Indian Kashmir

Taking separatist leaders head-on, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today accused them of instigating the children in the Valley to engage in violence while making sure their own studied abroad or outside the state. 
 
&quot;My colleagues have this (fear) that I may say something. But, I have always spoken truth. The way a mother slaps her child when he tries to touch a hot kangri (firepot), I will do the same to save my people. I will be angry, I will speak truth and warn them not to use children as a shield (during street protests),&quot; Mehbooba told a gathering at an official event, invoking motherhood that is devoted to the welfare of the child. 
 
She exuded confidence that the Valley will come out of the &quot;misery&quot; as her intentions were noble. &quot;Majority of the people want an honourable solution to the issue. Nobody wants violence except for those who don&#39;t have to face impact of this violence as their own children are studying outside the Valley. 
 
&quot;They ask the children to fight bullets, pellets and teargas, but themselves fear a policeman,&quot; she said. 
 
Taking on the separatists, she said they were &quot;exploiting&quot; children in the Valley after having ensured their&nbsp;own children studied outside. 
 
She, however, hoped the situation would get back to normal. 
 
&quot;Time will not remain like this always, but wounds will be there on the hearts of the children which these people have inflicted. Today, people will find my words bitter, but they will later understand what I said because I saw many people roaming the streets at night provoking children to join the protests. 
 
&quot;God is witness, that their (the separatists&#39;) own children study in Malaysia, Dubai, Bangalore and Rajasthan. If a single child of these people has been injured in the protests in these days, I am ready to quit politics,&quot; she said at the function organised to distribute LED bulbs under the ruling government&#39;s &#39;UJALA&#39; scheme. 
 
The function was organised by union power ministry, state power development department and Energy Efficiency Services Limited a joint venture of public sector undertaking under the power ministry. 
 
Hitting out at those who were provoking people, especially children to come out on the roads, Mehbooba said, &quot;What solution is this that our children are getting blinded. Till when will this go on?&quot; 
 
&quot;Nothing will come out of this. By violence, by closing shops and throwing stones. Our movement is not a movement now because it has jettisoned our culture and become uncultured,&quot; Mehbooba said. She said there is an opportunity to address the Kashmir issue as the country has a strong prime minister in Narendra Modi who has called for an end to the violence. 
 
&quot;Today, there is an opportunity as there is a very strong prime minister in this country. Today, in this situation, the cream of the country, members of Parliament, came to you (as part of an all-party delegation) and many among them said that they want to talk without any conditions. 
 
&quot;I, as president (Peoples Democratic Party), wrote a letter. It had not happened till now. I said you talk wherever you want, we would facilitate it because every day children are getting killed, injured. This should end. Our shops are closed, our schools are shut, everything has stopped. Today, there is an opportunity for the people of the state if they want a solution to the issue,&quot; she said. 
 
&quot;We have lost several opportunities in the past to resolve the issue through engagement and dialogue and today again if we miss the chance, the coming generations will never forgive us for our intransigence,&quot; she said. 
 
She said if the separatists have the courage they should sleep in their homes instead of roaming around exploiting the children. 
 
&quot;If you (separatists) have courage, then sleep in your homes and not roam around from one home to another asking children to take out protests rallies. You fear my policeman, but tell these children, my children, our children, who should have been in schools, to take out protests in other places and do something so that there is a reaction (from the security forces). 
 
&quot;How will I tolerate this? I have been saying this that there are mostly those children who used to be at my rallies when they were kids when no one was with me,&quot; she said. 
 
(PTI)

There is an opportunity to address the Kashmir issue as the country has a strong prime minister in Narendra Modi, she said

Taking separatist leaders head-on, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today accused them of instigating the children in the Valley to engage in violence while making sure their own studied abroad or outside the state. "My colleagues have this (fear) that I may say something. But, I have always spoken truth. The way a mother slaps her child when he tries to touch a hot kangri (firepot), I will do the same to save my people. I will be angry, I will speak truth and warn them not to use children as a shield (during street protests)," Mehbooba told a gathering at an official event, invoking motherhood that is devoted to the welfare of the child. She exuded confidence that the Valley will come out of the "misery" as her intentions were noble. "Majority of the people want an honourable solution to the issue. Nobody wants violence except for those who don't have to face impact of this violence as their own children are studying outside the Valley. "They ask the children to fight bullets, pellets and teargas, but themselves fear a policeman," she said. Taking on the separatists, she said they were "exploiting" children in the Valley after having ensured their own children studied outside. She, however, hoped the situation would get back to normal. "Time will not remain like this always, but wounds will be there on the hearts of the children which these people have inflicted. Today, people will find my words bitter, but they will later understand what I said because I saw many people roaming the streets at night provoking children to join the protests. "God is witness, that their (the separatists') own children study in Malaysia, Dubai, Bangalore and Rajasthan. If a single child of these people has been injured in the protests in these days, I am ready to quit politics," she said at the function organised to distribute LED bulbs under the ruling government's 'UJALA' scheme. The function was organised by union power ministry, state power development department and Energy Efficiency Services Limited a joint venture of public sector undertaking under the power ministry. Hitting out at those who were provoking people, especially children to come out on the roads, Mehbooba said, "What solution is this that our children are getting blinded. Till when will this go on?" "Nothing will come out of this. By violence, by closing shops and throwing stones. Our movement is not a movement now because it has jettisoned our culture and become uncultured," Mehbooba said. She said there is an opportunity to address the Kashmir issue as the country has a strong prime minister in Narendra Modi who has called for an end to the violence. "Today, there is an opportunity as there is a very strong prime minister in this country. Today, in this situation, the cream of the country, members of Parliament, came to you (as part of an all-party delegation) and many among them said that they want to talk without any conditions. "I, as president (Peoples Democratic Party), wrote a letter. It had not happened till now. I said you talk wherever you want, we would facilitate it because every day children are getting killed, injured. This should end. Our shops are closed, our schools are shut, everything has stopped. Today, there is an opportunity for the people of the state if they want a solution to the issue," she said. "We have lost several opportunities in the past to resolve the issue through engagement and dialogue and today again if we miss the chance, the coming generations will never forgive us for our intransigence," she said. She said if the separatists have the courage they should sleep in their homes instead of roaming around exploiting the children. "If you (separatists) have courage, then sleep in your homes and not roam around from one home to another asking children to take out protests rallies. You fear my policeman, but tell these children, my children, our children, who should have been in schools, to take out protests in other places and do something so that there is a reaction (from the security forces). "How will I tolerate this? I have been saying this that there are mostly those children who used to be at my rallies when they were kids when no one was with me," she said. (PTI)

Kashmir chief minister: Separatists inciting children to violence

India&#39;s interior minister Rajnath Singh today briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation in Kashmir after returning from his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
The interior minister, in an hour-long meeting, apprised Modi about the ground situation of the state assessed by the all-party delegation which visited Srinagar and Jammu on September 4 and 5. 
 
&quot;Briefed the Prime Minister on all-party delegation&#39;s visit to J&amp;K and also apprised him of the situation in the state,&quot; Singh said in a tweet after the meeting at the Prime Minster&#39;s residence. 
 
While the Prime Minister returned to the capital last night after his visit to Vietnam and China, the interior minister too had come back from Jammu and Kashmir last evening. 
 
Sources said the members of the all-party delegation are likely to meet in Delhi tomorrow to discuss their findings and chalk out future plans for Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
The all-party delegation seeking to end the turbulence in Kashmir concluded its visit yesterday with no breakthrough. 
 
Unhappy at the stubborn refusal of Hurriyat leaders to meet some MPs who had literally knocked at their doors in Srinagar, Singh had said that their conduct was against &quot;democracy, humanity or even &#39;Kashmiriyat&#39; (Kashmiri ethos)&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

In an hour-long meeting, Rajnath Singh apprised Modi about the ground situation in the state

India's interior minister Rajnath Singh today briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation in Kashmir after returning from his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. The interior minister, in an hour-long meeting, apprised Modi about the ground situation of the state assessed by the all-party delegation which visited Srinagar and Jammu on September 4 and 5. "Briefed the Prime Minister on all-party delegation's visit to J&K and also apprised him of the situation in the state," Singh said in a tweet after the meeting at the Prime Minster's residence. While the Prime Minister returned to the capital last night after his visit to Vietnam and China, the interior minister too had come back from Jammu and Kashmir last evening. Sources said the members of the all-party delegation are likely to meet in Delhi tomorrow to discuss their findings and chalk out future plans for Jammu and Kashmir. The all-party delegation seeking to end the turbulence in Kashmir concluded its visit yesterday with no breakthrough. Unhappy at the stubborn refusal of Hurriyat leaders to meet some MPs who had literally knocked at their doors in Srinagar, Singh had said that their conduct was against "democracy, humanity or even 'Kashmiriyat' (Kashmiri ethos)". (PTI)

India's interior minister briefs PM Modi on Kashmir situation

A 21-year-old man was killed today in fresh clashes with security forces in the Indian state of Kashmir. 
 
Naseer Ahmad Mir was killed after security forces opened fire; they were chasing away a large number of protesters in Anantnag district of Kashmir.&nbsp; 
 
The incident comes a day after the Indian government said it would swap pellets for chilli shells after widespread use of the weapons wounded thousands of civilians. 
 
&quot;Naseer had a zero degree pellet injury near his heart. That means he was shot from very close range,&quot; an unnamed medical superintendent at Seer Hamdan hospital in Anantnag told AFP. 
 
Several others, including a woman, sustained injuries after security forces opened fire, a police official said. 
 
He said the injured woman had been referred to hospital in critical condition. 
 
Musaib Nagoo, a youth, died last night in hospital. He had been injured during similar clashes in Sopore town, in the Baramulla district, on Sunday. 
 
The metal pellets or birdshot fired from the pump-action shotguns are referred to as &quot;non-lethal&quot; but they can and have also resulted in deaths. Hundreds of protesters have been blinded by them in the unrest this year.&nbsp; 
 
Kashmir has been in a state of unrest following the killing of militant separatist Burhan Wani on July 8. More than 70 civilians have been killed and thousands injured since the unrest broke out 60 days ago. 
 
The government has come under tremendous pressure due to its handling of the situation in Kashmir.&nbsp; 
 
Normal life continues to be affected in Kashmir as schools, colleges, banks and businesses continue to remain shut.&nbsp; 
 
(WION, with inputs from PTI)

He died from pellet gun injuries, a day after the government said it would replace the weapon

A 21-year-old man was killed today in fresh clashes with security forces in the Indian state of Kashmir. Naseer Ahmad Mir was killed after security forces opened fire; they were chasing away a large number of protesters in Anantnag district of Kashmir. The incident comes a day after the Indian government said it would swap pellets for chilli shells after widespread use of the weapons wounded thousands of civilians. "Naseer had a zero degree pellet injury near his heart. That means he was shot from very close range," an unnamed medical superintendent at Seer Hamdan hospital in Anantnag told AFP. Several others, including a woman, sustained injuries after security forces opened fire, a police official said. He said the injured woman had been referred to hospital in critical condition. Musaib Nagoo, a youth, died last night in hospital. He had been injured during similar clashes in Sopore town, in the Baramulla district, on Sunday. The metal pellets or birdshot fired from the pump-action shotguns are referred to as "non-lethal" but they can and have also resulted in deaths. Hundreds of protesters have been blinded by them in the unrest this year. Kashmir has been in a state of unrest following the killing of militant separatist Burhan Wani on July 8. More than 70 civilians have been killed and thousands injured since the unrest broke out 60 days ago. The government has come under tremendous pressure due to its handling of the situation in Kashmir. Normal life continues to be affected in Kashmir as schools, colleges, banks and businesses continue to remain shut. (WION, with inputs from PTI)

Protester killed in fresh clashes in Kashmir

India may harden its attitude towards separatist leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, making their foreign travel difficult and scaling down the security which they enjoy at the exchequer&#39;s cost. 
 
Miffed over the cold shoulder treatment given by separatists to the MPs, who were part of the all-party delegation that visited the state, the ruling government is considering moves to curb their foreign travel by withdrawing their passports and denying travel documents in some cases. 
 
Besides these, the government will also scrutinise their bank accounts and complete pending investigations in cases against them so a strong message goes around that those provoking youths in Kashmir Valley to create disturbance since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8 will not be spared, government sources said. 
 
The interior ministry&#39;s tough stand came apparently after the nod from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is said to have conveyed that time has come to act tough with the separatists, sources said. 
 
The snub by the Hurriyat leaders who refused to meet some members of the all-party delegation, has upset the government to the extent of India&#39;s interior minister Rajnath Singh saying that such behaviour was neither &#39;Kashmiriyat&#39; nor &#39;Insaniyat&#39;. 
 
Communist Party of India (Marxist)&#39;s Sitaram Yechury, Sharad Yadav of Janata Dal (United), Jaiprakash Narayan Yadav of Rashtriya Janata Dal, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen&#39;s Asaduddin Owaisi and D Raja of Communist Party of India had gone to meet Hurriyat leaders. 
 
Sources said there was a feeling in the government that lack of governance was a major concern for Jammu and Kashmir and this needs to be addressed. 
 
The ruling government feels that the state government is treating separatists with kid gloves and have to be tough against them, they said, claiming students, parents and the middle class were getting restless and wanted the cycle of violence to end. 
 
The final decision on these issues, however, will be taken after the all-party delegation, which visited the troubled state, meets here tomorrow and consultations at the highest level of the government, sources said. 
 
(PTI)

The Indian government will also scrutinise their bank accounts and complete investigations in cases pending against them.

India may harden its attitude towards separatist leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, making their foreign travel difficult and scaling down the security which they enjoy at the exchequer's cost. Miffed over the cold shoulder treatment given by separatists to the MPs, who were part of the all-party delegation that visited the state, the ruling government is considering moves to curb their foreign travel by withdrawing their passports and denying travel documents in some cases. Besides these, the government will also scrutinise their bank accounts and complete pending investigations in cases against them so a strong message goes around that those provoking youths in Kashmir Valley to create disturbance since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8 will not be spared, government sources said. The interior ministry's tough stand came apparently after the nod from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is said to have conveyed that time has come to act tough with the separatists, sources said. The snub by the Hurriyat leaders who refused to meet some members of the all-party delegation, has upset the government to the extent of India's interior minister Rajnath Singh saying that such behaviour was neither 'Kashmiriyat' nor 'Insaniyat'. Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s Sitaram Yechury, Sharad Yadav of Janata Dal (United), Jaiprakash Narayan Yadav of Rashtriya Janata Dal, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen's Asaduddin Owaisi and D Raja of Communist Party of India had gone to meet Hurriyat leaders. Sources said there was a feeling in the government that lack of governance was a major concern for Jammu and Kashmir and this needs to be addressed. The ruling government feels that the state government is treating separatists with kid gloves and have to be tough against them, they said, claiming students, parents and the middle class were getting restless and wanted the cycle of violence to end. The final decision on these issues, however, will be taken after the all-party delegation, which visited the troubled state, meets here tomorrow and consultations at the highest level of the government, sources said. (PTI)

India may act tough with Kashmir separatists, withdraw passports, whittle down security

Even as life remained paralysed in the restive Indian state of Kashmir for the 60th day, the separatists today extended the shutdown call in Kashmir till September 16. 
 
They also issued a protest calendar in which people have been urged to march towards the local office of the UN Military Observers&#39; Group on Eid-ul Azha on September 12 and submit a memorandum. 
 
The joint separatist camp also asked imams (clerics) and khateebs (preachers) to read out messages about continuing the agitation and boycotting all mainstream political parties and leaders, elections, election rallies and election machinery. 
 
They asked the people to celebrate Eid-ul Azha with austerity, and jointly offer sacrificial animals and have community lunches that day. 
 
The announcement about the&nbsp;extension of the shutdown call beyond September 16 came even as life has been paralysed in the Valley for the last 60 days. 
 
(PTI)

The separatists also issued a protest calendar urging people to march towards the local office of the UN Military Observers' Group on Eid

Even as life remained paralysed in the restive Indian state of Kashmir for the 60th day, the separatists today extended the shutdown call in Kashmir till September 16. They also issued a protest calendar in which people have been urged to march towards the local office of the UN Military Observers' Group on Eid-ul Azha on September 12 and submit a memorandum. The joint separatist camp also asked imams (clerics) and khateebs (preachers) to read out messages about continuing the agitation and boycotting all mainstream political parties and leaders, elections, election rallies and election machinery. They asked the people to celebrate Eid-ul Azha with austerity, and jointly offer sacrificial animals and have community lunches that day. The announcement about the extension of the shutdown call beyond September 16 came even as life has been paralysed in the Valley for the last 60 days. (PTI)

Kashmir unrest: Even as life remains paralysed for 60th day, separatists extend shutdown

Indian home minister Rajnath Singh today lashed out at Hurriyat leaders in Kashmir in India after their refusal to hold talks with members of the all-party delegation, saying the separatists&#39; behaviour showed they do not believe in Kashmiriyat, insaniyat (humanity) or jamhooriyat (democracy). 
 
Singh asserted that &quot;the doors and windows for dialogue&quot; on Kashmir were always open but ruled out any talks with Pakistan on the issue in the near future saying, &quot;Let us first talk with the people within our country.&quot; 
 
&quot;Some members of delegation went to meet Hurriyat leaders in their individual capacity. We neither said &#39;Yes&#39; nor &#39;No&#39; (to the move). 
 
&quot;The information given by the delegates (about how the members were treated) makes it clear that it is neither Kashmiriyat nor insaniyat,&quot; Singh, who is leading the delegation, told reporters on the second day of its visit. 
 
&quot;The members had gone to hold talks but by refusing to talk, they have shown that they (separatists) do no believe in jamhooriyat as well,&quot; the Minister said, coming down heavily on the separatists who yesterday snubbed attempts by MPs like CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, CPI&#39;s D Raja, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, RJD&#39;s Jay Prakash Narayan and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi to reach out to them. 
 
At hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani&#39;s residence, the gate was not even opened for the MPs while people shouted slogans outside. 
 
Singh evaded a direct reply to a question about BJP support or otherwise to the move by Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti to write to the separatists urging them to engage with the delegation for resolution of Kashmir issue. 
 
&quot;Yes, I have information about that, she had written a letter,&quot; he said without specifying whether BJP, which is an&nbsp;ally of PDP in the state government, supported the move. 
 
In response to another question, the home minister said he did not want to go into the debate about back channel talks with the separatists or appointment of a fresh team of interlocutors on Kashmir. 
 
&quot;Track one, Track Two, Track Three ... I do not want to get into this debate,&quot; he said. 
 
The home minister said like his previous visits to Kashmir since the unrest began in the Valley, he had expressed his willingness for talks with anyone who wants peace and normalcy in the state. 
 
Singh said they were ready for dialogue on Kashmir but made it clear that it will be only held within the ambit of the Constitution. 
 
&quot;There are no two opinions that Jammu and Kashmir was, is and will remain an integral part of India. 
 
&quot;I know people of Kashmir also want this.Not only our doors but windows are also open for talks,&quot; the union minister said.&nbsp; 
 
Singh said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir will improve and everyone who met the delegation had expressed this wish. 
 
&quot;Everyone we met has the wish that situation in Kashmir should improve.&quot; 
 
&quot;I am convinced that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir will improve,&quot; he said. 
 
Referring to his July visit to Kashmir at the start of the unrest in Kashmir, Singh said there was a demand for a&nbsp;ban on pellet guns from the people he met. 
 
&quot;We formed an expert committee which was mandated to submit a report on alternative to pellet guns within two months. The committee gave its report ahead of time and now PAVA has come. 
 
&quot;I understand that no one will lose life due to use of PAVA,&quot; he said. 
 
Singh said 1,000 non-lethal PAVA shells have arrived in Kashmir yesterday. The minister said the delegation of 26 Parliamentarians from 20 parties came to Kashmir as they were very serious about the situation in the Valley. 
 
He said the all-party delegation has taken suggestions from the people who interacted with it for improvement of situation in Kashmir. 
 
&quot;If required, we will take suggestions from them again in future,&quot; he said when asked if the Centre was willing to consider proposals like PDP&#39;s self-rule and National Conference&#39;s greater autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir within the ambit of the Constitution. 
 
In response to another question, Singh ruled out any talks with Pakistan on Kashmir in near future. 
 
&quot;Let us first talk with the people within our country.&quot; 
 
&quot;Do not take it outside the country,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;Parliament is the biggest Panchayat in the country and it is very serious about the situation in Kashmir. This panchayat decided to send a delegation to Kashmir to interact with the people,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;We are not only concerned but pained by the situation in Kashmir. We need everyone&#39;s cooperation,&quot; he added. 
 
Giving details about the engagements of the all-party delegation, Singh said they interacted with more than 30 delegations comprising 300 persons from different walks of life. 
 
&quot;We met the political parties, civil society, university teachers, vice chancellors, fruit growers, students and some intellectuals,&quot; he said. 
 
He said the delegation also interacted with state Governor N N Vohra, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and officials of the state government yesterday. 
 
The home minister said the Centre was providing all assistance to state government which is trying to improve the situation. 
 
He said to address concerns of Kashmiri youths living in different parts of the country the Ministry has appointed Dr Sanjay Rai as nodal officer who can be approached on phone numbers 011-23092923, 23092885. 
 
(PTI)

The rebuke came after the Hurriyat Conference refused to speak to the all-party delegation visiting from New Delhi

Indian home minister Rajnath Singh today lashed out at Hurriyat leaders in Kashmir in India after their refusal to hold talks with members of the all-party delegation, saying the separatists' behaviour showed they do not believe in Kashmiriyat, insaniyat (humanity) or jamhooriyat (democracy). Singh asserted that "the doors and windows for dialogue" on Kashmir were always open but ruled out any talks with Pakistan on the issue in the near future saying, "Let us first talk with the people within our country." "Some members of delegation went to meet Hurriyat leaders in their individual capacity. We neither said 'Yes' nor 'No' (to the move). "The information given by the delegates (about how the members were treated) makes it clear that it is neither Kashmiriyat nor insaniyat," Singh, who is leading the delegation, told reporters on the second day of its visit. "The members had gone to hold talks but by refusing to talk, they have shown that they (separatists) do no believe in jamhooriyat as well," the Minister said, coming down heavily on the separatists who yesterday snubbed attempts by MPs like CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, CPI's D Raja, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, RJD's Jay Prakash Narayan and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi to reach out to them. At hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani's residence, the gate was not even opened for the MPs while people shouted slogans outside. Singh evaded a direct reply to a question about BJP support or otherwise to the move by Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti to write to the separatists urging them to engage with the delegation for resolution of Kashmir issue. "Yes, I have information about that, she had written a letter," he said without specifying whether BJP, which is an ally of PDP in the state government, supported the move. In response to another question, the home minister said he did not want to go into the debate about back channel talks with the separatists or appointment of a fresh team of interlocutors on Kashmir. "Track one, Track Two, Track Three ... I do not want to get into this debate," he said. The home minister said like his previous visits to Kashmir since the unrest began in the Valley, he had expressed his willingness for talks with anyone who wants peace and normalcy in the state. Singh said they were ready for dialogue on Kashmir but made it clear that it will be only held within the ambit of the Constitution. "There are no two opinions that Jammu and Kashmir was, is and will remain an integral part of India. "I know people of Kashmir also want this.Not only our doors but windows are also open for talks," the union minister said. Singh said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir will improve and everyone who met the delegation had expressed this wish. "Everyone we met has the wish that situation in Kashmir should improve." "I am convinced that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir will improve," he said. Referring to his July visit to Kashmir at the start of the unrest in Kashmir, Singh said there was a demand for a ban on pellet guns from the people he met. "We formed an expert committee which was mandated to submit a report on alternative to pellet guns within two months. The committee gave its report ahead of time and now PAVA has come. "I understand that no one will lose life due to use of PAVA," he said. Singh said 1,000 non-lethal PAVA shells have arrived in Kashmir yesterday. The minister said the delegation of 26 Parliamentarians from 20 parties came to Kashmir as they were very serious about the situation in the Valley. He said the all-party delegation has taken suggestions from the people who interacted with it for improvement of situation in Kashmir. "If required, we will take suggestions from them again in future," he said when asked if the Centre was willing to consider proposals like PDP's self-rule and National Conference's greater autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir within the ambit of the Constitution. In response to another question, Singh ruled out any talks with Pakistan on Kashmir in near future. "Let us first talk with the people within our country." "Do not take it outside the country," he said. "Parliament is the biggest Panchayat in the country and it is very serious about the situation in Kashmir. This panchayat decided to send a delegation to Kashmir to interact with the people," he said. "We are not only concerned but pained by the situation in Kashmir. We need everyone's cooperation," he added. Giving details about the engagements of the all-party delegation, Singh said they interacted with more than 30 delegations comprising 300 persons from different walks of life. "We met the political parties, civil society, university teachers, vice chancellors, fruit growers, students and some intellectuals," he said. He said the delegation also interacted with state Governor N N Vohra, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and officials of the state government yesterday. The home minister said the Centre was providing all assistance to state government which is trying to improve the situation. He said to address concerns of Kashmiri youths living in different parts of the country the Ministry has appointed Dr Sanjay Rai as nodal officer who can be approached on phone numbers 011-23092923, 23092885. (PTI)

India home minister on separatists: 'They do not believe in democracy, humanity or Kashmiriyat'

Curfew was intensified in India&#39;s Kashmir a day after more than 200 civilians were injured in clashes between security forces and protesters, and the organisation fighting for the state&#39;s independence snubbed Indian lawmakers&#39; peace outreach meeting. 
 
Fresh restrictions were imposed in&nbsp;Batamaloo and Maisuma areas in uptown Srinagar on Monday morning, Indian authorities said, adding that the curbs remained in force in the rest of the Valley as well. 
 
Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed by Indian security forces on July 8., setting off a chain of deadly protests in the Valley. Seventy one people, including two Indian security personnel, have been killed and thousands wounded in the protests.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Security forces have been deployed in strength in sensitive areas to maintain law and order,&quot; an unnamed police officer told Indian media agencies. 
 
&quot;This has been done to maintain law and order,&quot; the official further added. 
 
Normal life remained paralysed in the restive state, with schools, colleges and private offices remaining shut. Attendance in government offices also remained sparse as the shutdown programme nears its second month.&nbsp; 
 
The curfew has come under criticism from people both in India and overseas. 
 
Opposition political parties and human rights groups in India have condemned the security personnel&#39;s use of pellet guns to disperse protesters.&nbsp; 
 
Pakistan has also been vociferous in their protests against what it deems as a move to clamp down on rights of people in Kashmir. 
 
The United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon also expressed concern and urged India to show restraint.&nbsp; 
 
(WION) 
 
 
&nbsp;

Fresh curbs were put in place in two more areas in Srinagar a day after clashes between security forces and protesters left 200 injured

Curfew was intensified in India's Kashmir a day after more than 200 civilians were injured in clashes between security forces and protesters, and the organisation fighting for the state's independence snubbed Indian lawmakers' peace outreach meeting. Fresh restrictions were imposed in Batamaloo and Maisuma areas in uptown Srinagar on Monday morning, Indian authorities said, adding that the curbs remained in force in the rest of the Valley as well. Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed by Indian security forces on July 8., setting off a chain of deadly protests in the Valley. Seventy one people, including two Indian security personnel, have been killed and thousands wounded in the protests. "Security forces have been deployed in strength in sensitive areas to maintain law and order," an unnamed police officer told Indian media agencies. "This has been done to maintain law and order," the official further added. Normal life remained paralysed in the restive state, with schools, colleges and private offices remaining shut. Attendance in government offices also remained sparse as the shutdown programme nears its second month. The curfew has come under criticism from people both in India and overseas. Opposition political parties and human rights groups in India have condemned the security personnel's use of pellet guns to disperse protesters. Pakistan has also been vociferous in their protests against what it deems as a move to clamp down on rights of people in Kashmir. The United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon also expressed concern and urged India to show restraint. (WION)

Curfew strengthened in Kashmir after clashes

The Kashmir talks between the Indian government and various stake-holders from the northern state were bound to fail as it became an internal exercise for the representatives of political parties who were in capital Srinagar for the proposed dialogue. 
 
Instead of an engagement with groups associated with the protests that have kept Kashmir on boil for almost two months, the all-party meet at Sher-e-Kashmir centre morphed into a briefing session by Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti. 
 
Although the current view within the Indian establishment is that the agitation is funded and instigated by Pakistan, but closely observed, it is clear that the seeds of discord were sown by the competitive politics of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Kashmir&#39;s People&#39;s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
There is no denying that Pakistan has funded terrorists and aided and directed attacks on the Indian side. It would, however, be foolish to overlook the fact that the fierce Kashmiri pride, if denied its own political, cultural and social space, often erupts in violent street protests. 
 
The PDP, on one hand, kept alive the rhetoric of &#39;a political solution&#39; to the problem of Kashmir&#39;s demand for azaadi (freedom) alive, but was quick to establish a close working relationship with the BJP that has always opposed any demand for self-determination for the state. 
 
The BJP-PDP combine in was expected to bring Jammu and the Valley together, but competitive politics for retaining core votes only created a bigger chasm. 
&nbsp; 
A common minimum programme was devised by the state government to ensure a smooth tenure, but it only ended up alientating the PDP&rsquo;s cadre that felt that the core issue on which they voted was compromised. 
 
A host of issues contributed to it. Whether it was the mulling of Union Territory status for Ladakh (a part of the state that has a sizeable Buddhist population, as opposed to Kashmir that is predominantly Muslim),&nbsp;or the consideration of the idea of &#39;a neglected Jammu,&#39; it only fostered distrust. The narrative of media also changed. 
 
The above debates polarised the views on the identity of Kashmir. Whether it was the skirmish between non-Kashmiri students and local ones over India&#39;s defeat in a cricket match that turned violent at Srinagar&#39;s National Institute of Technology or the&nbsp;move to establish enclaves for Indian Army ex-servicemen called &#39;Sainik Colony&#39; in Srinagar and Budgam that has been opposed by civil society and the separatist groups, Delhi appeared aloof. 
 
Suddenly everyday politics became coded gesture of a more muscular India intent on dealing with the Kashmir issue as if the state had to compensate for Pakistan&rsquo;s intransigent stand on various issues. 
 
The belief that successfully organising elections in the state affirm India&#39;s commitment towards the ideals of its Constitution has failed in Kashmir. This approach has also failed in other parts of India where tribal areas still witness armed insurgencies -- proving the point that elections are only the starting point in a democracy not the end. 
 
It becomes especially true in the state of Kashmir where Article 370 as an instrument of accession creates a different political situation on the ground. 
&nbsp; 
In this case the PDP cadre not only merged into the angry mobs, but also vented anger against senior party leaders when their houses came under attack. 
 
This brings us back to the question of a&nbsp;solution. First, it becomes imperative for the current government to look into the suggestions made by three-member committee of interlocutors appointed by the previous government and announce certain concrete steps. 
 
Second, PDP leaders must show enough courage to engage the locals by organising meetings in rural areas so that the ground situation can be stabilised. 
 
Third, Balochistan as an issue can only be a diplomatic pressure point, but not as a solution to the local problem. 
 
And last, since it has recognised that the agitation is headless, it becomes imperative that small groups of professionals must be encouraged for talks and the reconciliation process so that the agitation doesn&rsquo;t become hostage to entities like Hurriyat that have a fixed agenda. 
 
The strength of any democracy lies in absorbing dissent and not ignoring it. The challenge before the Centre is not to treat Kashmir as a logistical issue, but as a political challenge where creative solutions within the ambit of constitutional norm should be made available to common Kashmiris. 
 
(WION)

Politicians talking among themselves cannot be a solution to the Kashmir unrest; need to engage young professionals in talks

The Kashmir talks between the Indian government and various stake-holders from the northern state were bound to fail as it became an internal exercise for the representatives of political parties who were in capital Srinagar for the proposed dialogue. Instead of an engagement with groups associated with the protests that have kept Kashmir on boil for almost two months, the all-party meet at Sher-e-Kashmir centre morphed into a briefing session by Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti. Although the current view within the Indian establishment is that the agitation is funded and instigated by Pakistan, but closely observed, it is clear that the seeds of discord were sown by the competitive politics of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Kashmir's People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. There is no denying that Pakistan has funded terrorists and aided and directed attacks on the Indian side. It would, however, be foolish to overlook the fact that the fierce Kashmiri pride, if denied its own political, cultural and social space, often erupts in violent street protests. The PDP, on one hand, kept alive the rhetoric of 'a political solution' to the problem of Kashmir's demand for azaadi (freedom) alive, but was quick to establish a close working relationship with the BJP that has always opposed any demand for self-determination for the state. The BJP-PDP combine in was expected to bring Jammu and the Valley together, but competitive politics for retaining core votes only created a bigger chasm. A common minimum programme was devised by the state government to ensure a smooth tenure, but it only ended up alientating the PDP’s cadre that felt that the core issue on which they voted was compromised. A host of issues contributed to it. Whether it was the mulling of Union Territory status for Ladakh (a part of the state that has a sizeable Buddhist population, as opposed to Kashmir that is predominantly Muslim), or the consideration of the idea of 'a neglected Jammu,' it only fostered distrust. The narrative of media also changed. The above debates polarised the views on the identity of Kashmir. Whether it was the skirmish between non-Kashmiri students and local ones over India's defeat in a cricket match that turned violent at Srinagar's National Institute of Technology or the move to establish enclaves for Indian Army ex-servicemen called 'Sainik Colony' in Srinagar and Budgam that has been opposed by civil society and the separatist groups, Delhi appeared aloof. Suddenly everyday politics became coded gesture of a more muscular India intent on dealing with the Kashmir issue as if the state had to compensate for Pakistan’s intransigent stand on various issues. The belief that successfully organising elections in the state affirm India's commitment towards the ideals of its Constitution has failed in Kashmir. This approach has also failed in other parts of India where tribal areas still witness armed insurgencies -- proving the point that elections are only the starting point in a democracy not the end. It becomes especially true in the state of Kashmir where Article 370 as an instrument of accession creates a different political situation on the ground. In this case the PDP cadre not only merged into the angry mobs, but also vented anger against senior party leaders when their houses came under attack. This brings us back to the question of a solution. First, it becomes imperative for the current government to look into the suggestions made by three-member committee of interlocutors appointed by the previous government and announce certain concrete steps. Second, PDP leaders must show enough courage to engage the locals by organising meetings in rural areas so that the ground situation can be stabilised. Third, Balochistan as an issue can only be a diplomatic pressure point, but not as a solution to the local problem. And last, since it has recognised that the agitation is headless, it becomes imperative that small groups of professionals must be encouraged for talks and the reconciliation process so that the agitation doesn’t become hostage to entities like Hurriyat that have a fixed agenda. The strength of any democracy lies in absorbing dissent and not ignoring it. The challenge before the Centre is not to treat Kashmir as a logistical issue, but as a political challenge where creative solutions within the ambit of constitutional norm should be made available to common Kashmiris. (WION)

Why Kashmir talk was a non-starter

Fresh violence broke out in Kashmir as a 26-member team of Indian parliamentarians arrived in Srinagar on Sunday to allay tensions in the restive state. 
 
The conciliatory effort received another blow as Hurriyat, a group fighting for Kashmir&#39;s freedom, declined the offer to meet the delegation. 
 
The Hurriyat rejected Mufti&#39;s invitation for lack of clarity in the engagement process.&nbsp; 
 
Violence erupted in Shopian district in Kashmir on Sunday morning, injuring at least 50 people. 
 
A group of protesters also set ablaze the office of district magistrate (a senior government official), national radio broadcaster All India Radio tweeted.&nbsp; 
 
The clash broke out after Indian security forces tried to intervene a pro-freedom rally in Pinjura village. 
 
The clashes coincide with the arrival of Indian lawmakers in the Valley. The delegate, headed by India&#39;s home minister Rajnath Singh, is on a two-day visit to Srinagar&nbsp;to discuss the security situation in the Valley.&nbsp; 
 
The delegate met Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti earlier in the day to discuss ways to tackle the festering problem in the state. 
 
&quot;We intend to talk to individuals and groups who want peace and normalcy in Kashmir valley,&quot; India&#39;s home minister had said before leaving for Kashmir. &nbsp; 
 
Singh said the Centre would take a final decision with regard to Kashmir unrest on the basis of feedback and suggestions given by the delegation, which comprises members cutting across political affiliation. 
 
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti yesterday invited&nbsp;leaders of Hurriyat for talks with the all-party delegation. Hurriyat is&nbsp;an organisation that is fighting for Kashmir&#39;s independence.&nbsp; 
 
Kashmir has been gripped with tension following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
 
 
&nbsp;
 
&nbsp;
 
 
&nbsp;

The Hurriyat rejected Jammu and Kashmir chief minister's invitation for lacking clarity in the engagement process?

Fresh violence broke out in Kashmir as a 26-member team of Indian parliamentarians arrived in Srinagar on Sunday to allay tensions in the restive state. The conciliatory effort received another blow as Hurriyat, a group fighting for Kashmir's freedom, declined the offer to meet the delegation. The Hurriyat rejected Mufti's invitation for lack of clarity in the engagement process. Violence erupted in Shopian district in Kashmir on Sunday morning, injuring at least 50 people. A group of protesters also set ablaze the office of district magistrate (a senior government official), national radio broadcaster All India Radio tweeted. The clash broke out after Indian security forces tried to intervene a pro-freedom rally in Pinjura village. The clashes coincide with the arrival of Indian lawmakers in the Valley. The delegate, headed by India's home minister Rajnath Singh, is on a two-day visit to Srinagar to discuss the security situation in the Valley. The delegate met Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti earlier in the day to discuss ways to tackle the festering problem in the state. "We intend to talk to individuals and groups who want peace and normalcy in Kashmir valley," India's home minister had said before leaving for Kashmir. Singh said the Centre would take a final decision with regard to Kashmir unrest on the basis of feedback and suggestions given by the delegation, which comprises members cutting across political affiliation. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti yesterday invited leaders of Hurriyat for talks with the all-party delegation. Hurriyat is an organisation that is fighting for Kashmir's independence. Kashmir has been gripped with tension following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Kashmir freedom group shuns India's peace outreach meeting

The controversial pellet guns, used as a crowd control weapon during protests by security forces in India&#39;s northern-most state of Jammu and Kashmir, may not be completely banned but will be fired in &#39;rarest of rare cases&#39;, PTI news agency reported today. 
 
The report said that a top government official has informed that senior government functionaries have arrived at this conclusion after extensive consultations with security forces and examining the ground realities in Kashmir Valley. 
 
Amid widespread outrage overuse of pellet gun, that has blinded thousands during the ongoing protest, Indian home minister Rajnath Singh last week assured a substitute to the &#39;non-lethal weapons. 
 
Set up by the home ministry last month, an expert panel is believed to have zeroed in on &#39;PAVA shells&#39;, a chilli-based ammunition, which is deemed to be less lethal and immobilises the target temporarily. 
 
The &#39;PAVA shells&#39;, as per the blueprint prepared in this regard and accessed by PTI, were under trial for over a year at the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratory in Lucknow, and its full development has come at a time when Kashmir is on the boil. 
 
(WION with inputs from PTI) 
 
&nbsp;

The pellet guns, which may be replaced with chili-filled PAVA shells, would be used in the rarest of rare cases, a government official said

The controversial pellet guns, used as a crowd control weapon during protests by security forces in India's northern-most state of Jammu and Kashmir, may not be completely banned but will be fired in 'rarest of rare cases', PTI news agency reported today. The report said that a top government official has informed that senior government functionaries have arrived at this conclusion after extensive consultations with security forces and examining the ground realities in Kashmir Valley. Amid widespread outrage overuse of pellet gun, that has blinded thousands during the ongoing protest, Indian home minister Rajnath Singh last week assured a substitute to the 'non-lethal weapons. Set up by the home ministry last month, an expert panel is believed to have zeroed in on 'PAVA shells', a chilli-based ammunition, which is deemed to be less lethal and immobilises the target temporarily. The 'PAVA shells', as per the blueprint prepared in this regard and accessed by PTI, were under trial for over a year at the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratory in Lucknow, and its full development has come at a time when Kashmir is on the boil. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Blanket ban unlikely on pellet guns in Kashmir

India&#39;s interior minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday gave his approval to the use of chilli-filled grenades for crowd-control measures in the restive Kashmir valley as an alternative to pellet guns. 
 
The Indian government was being criticised for the use of pellet guns as they were causing loss of eyesight among the affected protesters.&nbsp; 
 
The decision comes just a day before a delegation comprising representatives from India&#39;s political parties visit&nbsp;Kashmir on Sunday for dialogue with various stake-holders in the state. 
 
The interior minister cleared the file for use of Pelargonic Acid Vanillyl Amide (PAVA) also called Nonivamide as an alternative to the pellet guns, official sources said. 
 
They said as many as 1,000 shells will be reaching the Kashmir Valley on Sunday. During his two-day visit to Kashmir on August 24-25, Singh had said an alternative to pellet guns will be given to security forces in the coming days. Pellet guns are, however, unlikely to be banned completely but will be used in &quot;rarest of rare cases&quot;, they said. 
 
(WION with agency inputs) 
 
&nbsp;

The use of pelargonic acid vanillyl amide (PAVA) is an alternative to pellet guns that will now be used in the 'rarest of rare cases'

India's interior minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday gave his approval to the use of chilli-filled grenades for crowd-control measures in the restive Kashmir valley as an alternative to pellet guns. The Indian government was being criticised for the use of pellet guns as they were causing loss of eyesight among the affected protesters. The decision comes just a day before a delegation comprising representatives from India's political parties visit Kashmir on Sunday for dialogue with various stake-holders in the state. The interior minister cleared the file for use of Pelargonic Acid Vanillyl Amide (PAVA) also called Nonivamide as an alternative to the pellet guns, official sources said. They said as many as 1,000 shells will be reaching the Kashmir Valley on Sunday. During his two-day visit to Kashmir on August 24-25, Singh had said an alternative to pellet guns will be given to security forces in the coming days. Pellet guns are, however, unlikely to be banned completely but will be used in "rarest of rare cases", they said. (WION with agency inputs)

India's interior minister approves chilli-filled grenades for mob control in Kashmir

Batamaloo resident Arifa had ventured out to buy medicines at a local chemist shop. Curfew had been lifted on Monday after 51 days, the longest siege in the city. But by the time she could get back home with her mother-in-law and daughter, who had accompanied her, protesters were once again out in the streets in the neighbourhood, hurling stones at police and security forces. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Arifa asked her mother-in-law and daughter to wait&nbsp;in an alley as she went ahead to try and negotiate her right of way with the paramilitary personnel busy chasing the stone-pelting mob away.&nbsp;The paramilitary force personnel waved at her from a distance asking her to go back. &ldquo;I can&#39;t go back, my home is on the other side,&rdquo; she shouted. But they could not let her pass. 
 
The authorities had relaxed restrictions across the Valley on Monday, except in south Kashmir&rsquo;s Pulwama and in the jurisdiction of two police stations - Nowhatta and Maharaja Gunj - the two most volatile localities of downtown Srinagar.&nbsp; 
 
Restrictions were lifted in view of the improvement in the situation, but the circumstances had not improved as incidents of stone-pelting were reported from across the Valley. A night curfew was also set in place to stop the protests spreading during the night.&nbsp; 
 
Section 144 of the Indian code of criminal procedure (CRPC), which does not allow the assembly of more than five, remained in place despite ease in restrictions.&nbsp; 
 
Except for a few provision stores in the city&#39;s outskirts, most of the shops have remained shut since July 9, a day after Hizbul Mujahideen&rsquo;s militant commander Burhan Wani was killed in south Kashmir. Since then, clashes, widespread protests, killings, curfew and an indefinite strike disrupted normal life in India&#39;s northern-most state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp; 
 
Mobile and internet services have also been snapped to quell the protests. Other than the state-owned BSNL, all other private telecom company-owned mobile SIM cards are barred from making any calls. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;I have not come out of my home since the protests began. I feel imprisoned. The disruption of telecom services has added to our miseries. It is difficult to live like this as we can&#39;t even talk to our friends or relatives on phone,&rdquo; Sohail Farooq, a resident of Humhama says. Sohail is planning to leave the Valley for Delhi next Saturday.&nbsp; 
 
But a majority of people cannot leave the state. They have to stay on, waiting for normality to return. 
 
Syed Mujataba, who owns a restaurant in the city centre Lal Chowk, says he is absolutely stressed. &ldquo;I tried many times to go and check whether my restaurant is all right. But I was not allowed to enter the central market area,&rdquo; he said. 
 
&quot;Even when there is relaxation of curfew, the police and security forces restrict our movement. A lot of shops have caught fire. I become more anxious when I hear reports like these. But I can&#39;t go out to see whether my restaurant is fine,&rdquo; Mujataba, whose restaurant is less than a year old, adds.&nbsp; 
 
In the ongoing civil unrest, as many as 70 have been killed and more than 6000 have been left injured. Hundreds of injuries have been caused by pellets leaving most of them critically injured in the eyes. Many of them have lost their eye-sight.&nbsp; 
 
A doctor with the Srinagar&rsquo;s Sri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital says this has been the worst time in his decade-old career. &ldquo;The injuries are high and they are grave. To treat so many injured in such a short span of time has taken a toll on me as well,&rdquo; he said, asking not to be named. 
 
According to Dr Javid Jeelani, mental health counsellor at the same hospital, the injured are close to developing suicidal tendencies as emotions full of &lsquo;hopelessness&#39; and &lsquo;helplessness&rsquo; run high among them. &ldquo;The intensity of violence is high and we have to gear up against possible Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among these injured victims which can be expected sooner or later,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp; 
 
What is more distressing for locals in Kashmir is that there seems to be no end to the current unrest anytime soon. The authorities are waiting for people to tire in the ongoing crisis. &ldquo;They will also realise that nothing can be achieved by coming out on streets,&rdquo; a People&#39;s Democratic Party (PDP) leader told WION.&nbsp; 
 
The separatists, who are issuing weekly protest programmes, have also shown disinterest in taking part in a dialogue process to address the situation. An all-party delegation (comprising representatives of all Indian political parties) is scheduled to visit Kashmir in the first week of September to talk to a cross-section of people in the Valley, including the separatist leaders. 
 
(WION)

'I have not come out of my home since the protests began. I feel imprisoned,' Sohail Farooq, a resident of Humhama said of the 51-day curfew

Batamaloo resident Arifa had ventured out to buy medicines at a local chemist shop. Curfew had been lifted on Monday after 51 days, the longest siege in the city. But by the time she could get back home with her mother-in-law and daughter, who had accompanied her, protesters were once again out in the streets in the neighbourhood, hurling stones at police and security forces. Arifa asked her mother-in-law and daughter to wait in an alley as she went ahead to try and negotiate her right of way with the paramilitary personnel busy chasing the stone-pelting mob away. The paramilitary force personnel waved at her from a distance asking her to go back. “I can't go back, my home is on the other side,” she shouted. But they could not let her pass. The authorities had relaxed restrictions across the Valley on Monday, except in south Kashmir’s Pulwama and in the jurisdiction of two police stations - Nowhatta and Maharaja Gunj - the two most volatile localities of downtown Srinagar. Restrictions were lifted in view of the improvement in the situation, but the circumstances had not improved as incidents of stone-pelting were reported from across the Valley. A night curfew was also set in place to stop the protests spreading during the night. Section 144 of the Indian code of criminal procedure (CRPC), which does not allow the assembly of more than five, remained in place despite ease in restrictions. Except for a few provision stores in the city's outskirts, most of the shops have remained shut since July 9, a day after Hizbul Mujahideen’s militant commander Burhan Wani was killed in south Kashmir. Since then, clashes, widespread protests, killings, curfew and an indefinite strike disrupted normal life in India's northern-most state of Jammu and Kashmir. Mobile and internet services have also been snapped to quell the protests. Other than the state-owned BSNL, all other private telecom company-owned mobile SIM cards are barred from making any calls. “I have not come out of my home since the protests began. I feel imprisoned. The disruption of telecom services has added to our miseries. It is difficult to live like this as we can't even talk to our friends or relatives on phone,” Sohail Farooq, a resident of Humhama says. Sohail is planning to leave the Valley for Delhi next Saturday. But a majority of people cannot leave the state. They have to stay on, waiting for normality to return. Syed Mujataba, who owns a restaurant in the city centre Lal Chowk, says he is absolutely stressed. “I tried many times to go and check whether my restaurant is all right. But I was not allowed to enter the central market area,” he said. "Even when there is relaxation of curfew, the police and security forces restrict our movement. A lot of shops have caught fire. I become more anxious when I hear reports like these. But I can't go out to see whether my restaurant is fine,” Mujataba, whose restaurant is less than a year old, adds. In the ongoing civil unrest, as many as 70 have been killed and more than 6000 have been left injured. Hundreds of injuries have been caused by pellets leaving most of them critically injured in the eyes. Many of them have lost their eye-sight. A doctor with the Srinagar’s Sri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital says this has been the worst time in his decade-old career. “The injuries are high and they are grave. To treat so many injured in such a short span of time has taken a toll on me as well,” he said, asking not to be named. According to Dr Javid Jeelani, mental health counsellor at the same hospital, the injured are close to developing suicidal tendencies as emotions full of ‘hopelessness' and ‘helplessness’ run high among them. “The intensity of violence is high and we have to gear up against possible Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among these injured victims which can be expected sooner or later,” he said. What is more distressing for locals in Kashmir is that there seems to be no end to the current unrest anytime soon. The authorities are waiting for people to tire in the ongoing crisis. “They will also realise that nothing can be achieved by coming out on streets,” a People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader told WION. The separatists, who are issuing weekly protest programmes, have also shown disinterest in taking part in a dialogue process to address the situation. An all-party delegation (comprising representatives of all Indian political parties) is scheduled to visit Kashmir in the first week of September to talk to a cross-section of people in the Valley, including the separatist leaders. (WION)

'Imprisoned at home,' say many Kashmiris as violence brings back curfew in parts

Curfew was reimposed in some parts of Srinagar, summer capital of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, as fresh street protests rocked the city, hours after curbs were lifted from the restive state. 
 
Saraf Kadal and&nbsp;Batamaloo -- areas in Srinagar -- and Budgam have been put on lockdown mode again, according to Indian authorities. 
 
On Monday morning, Indian authorities relaxed restrictions across the Valley&nbsp;except in South Kashmir&rsquo;s Pulwama and some areas of Old City in Srinagar after 51 days.&nbsp; 
 
The decision was made&nbsp;in&nbsp;view of improving law and order situation in the last few days. 
 
Security barricades were lifted from civil line&nbsp;areas of Srinagar and around city centre Lal Chowk.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
However, the situation in the city exacerbated after fresh clashes broke out.&nbsp; 
 
India&#39;s northernmost state has been on a boil ever since Hizbul Mujahideen commander&nbsp;Burhan Wani was killed by Indian security forces on July 8. 
 
There were widespread protests across the state in the aftermath of the killing.&nbsp; 
 
About 70 civilians have been killed and more than 6,000 have been injured as Indian security forces attempted to quell the protests. &nbsp; 
 
(WION)

Parts of Srinagar and Budgam have been put on lockdown mode again, according to Indian authorities

Curfew was reimposed in some parts of Srinagar, summer capital of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, as fresh street protests rocked the city, hours after curbs were lifted from the restive state. Saraf Kadal and Batamaloo -- areas in Srinagar -- and Budgam have been put on lockdown mode again, according to Indian authorities. On Monday morning, Indian authorities relaxed restrictions across the Valley except in South Kashmir’s Pulwama and some areas of Old City in Srinagar after 51 days. The decision was made in view of improving law and order situation in the last few days. Security barricades were lifted from civil line areas of Srinagar and around city centre Lal Chowk. However, the situation in the city exacerbated after fresh clashes broke out. India's northernmost state has been on a boil ever since Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed by Indian security forces on July 8. There were widespread protests across the state in the aftermath of the killing. About 70 civilians have been killed and more than 6,000 have been injured as Indian security forces attempted to quell the protests. (WION)

Curfew reimposed in some parts of Kashmir amid fresh clashes

Chief minister of India&#39;s Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday insisted that people give her a chance to address the crisis in the state.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;I appeal to all those protesting in the streets. You may be angry with me, I may be angry with you. But please give me one chance to address your concerns and aspirations,&rdquo; she said. 
 
After her 45-minute-meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, Mehbooba told DNA that she had outlined a three-pronged action during the meeting. 
 
It included the involvement of separatists and Pakistan in a substantive dialogue. But she refused to divulge details. 
 
Mehbooba said that good governance in her state was linked to peaceful relations between India and Pakistan. &ldquo;How can you govern and undertake development-related work when there are tensions?&rdquo; she said. 
 
On this front, she blamed Islamabad for not responding to Modi&rsquo;s peace overtures. 
 
&quot;PM Modi reached out to Pakistan, went to Lahore, but then Pathankot happened. Home minister Rajnath Singh also went to Islamabad. Unfortunately, Pakistan has repeatedly given up the chances to talk and resolve the issue of violence in Kashmir. Now, it is again time for Pakistan (to respond),&quot; she said. 
 
Only Modi can revive the process, she said. Mehbooba, however, skirted questions on the PM&rsquo;s recent pronouncements on Balochistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PoK). 
 
Fifty seven-year-old Mehbooba, mother of two and one of the few women politicians from Kashmir, said she asked Modi to put in place an institutionalised mechanism to address the issue. &ldquo;I asked for reviving the reconciliation and resolution process, which was initiated by the then NDA government headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee between 2002 and 2005,&rdquo; she said. 
 
It was the brushing of issues under the carpet, as in 2008 and 2010, that has resulted in the current unrest, Mehbooba said. &ldquo;The country&rsquo;s political leadership must commit itself to address all dimensions of the problem in a manner that balances and promotes enduring political and economic stability in the state and the region,&rdquo; she said. 
 
She expressed confidence that the escalating tensions would not derail the scheduled South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit and the PM&rsquo;s proposed visit to Islamabad. 
 
She also appealed to all political parties to help resolve the problems and not make the state a discussion point during their election campaigns. An &ldquo;all-party delegation will visit the state soon to reach out to the people,&rdquo; she said. 
 
Mehbooba, who single-handedly built the edifice of People&rsquo;s Democratic Party (PDP) to challenge the monopoly of mainstream National Conference (NC) said the Agenda of Alliance enacted between her late father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and the Prime Minister has a commitment to normalise the relationship with Pakistan. 
 
(This piece first appeared in DNA)

Mehbooba Mufti believes that only Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi can smoothen the fraying relations with Pakistan

Chief minister of India's Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday insisted that people give her a chance to address the crisis in the state. “I appeal to all those protesting in the streets. You may be angry with me, I may be angry with you. But please give me one chance to address your concerns and aspirations,” she said. After her 45-minute-meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, Mehbooba told DNA that she had outlined a three-pronged action during the meeting. It included the involvement of separatists and Pakistan in a substantive dialogue. But she refused to divulge details. Mehbooba said that good governance in her state was linked to peaceful relations between India and Pakistan. “How can you govern and undertake development-related work when there are tensions?” she said. On this front, she blamed Islamabad for not responding to Modi’s peace overtures. "PM Modi reached out to Pakistan, went to Lahore, but then Pathankot happened. Home minister Rajnath Singh also went to Islamabad. Unfortunately, Pakistan has repeatedly given up the chances to talk and resolve the issue of violence in Kashmir. Now, it is again time for Pakistan (to respond)," she said. Only Modi can revive the process, she said. Mehbooba, however, skirted questions on the PM’s recent pronouncements on Balochistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PoK). Fifty seven-year-old Mehbooba, mother of two and one of the few women politicians from Kashmir, said she asked Modi to put in place an institutionalised mechanism to address the issue. “I asked for reviving the reconciliation and resolution process, which was initiated by the then NDA government headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee between 2002 and 2005,” she said. It was the brushing of issues under the carpet, as in 2008 and 2010, that has resulted in the current unrest, Mehbooba said. “The country’s political leadership must commit itself to address all dimensions of the problem in a manner that balances and promotes enduring political and economic stability in the state and the region,” she said. She expressed confidence that the escalating tensions would not derail the scheduled South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit and the PM’s proposed visit to Islamabad. She also appealed to all political parties to help resolve the problems and not make the state a discussion point during their election campaigns. An “all-party delegation will visit the state soon to reach out to the people,” she said. Mehbooba, who single-handedly built the edifice of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to challenge the monopoly of mainstream National Conference (NC) said the Agenda of Alliance enacted between her late father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and the Prime Minister has a commitment to normalise the relationship with Pakistan. (This piece first appeared in DNA)

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister urges protesters to give her chance to address crisis

As the unrest in the Kashmir valley enters its 50th day, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today and discussed the security situation in the state.&nbsp; 
 
Following a discussion at 7 Race Course Road, the official residence of the Prime Minister in the capital New Delhi, she accused Pakistan of openly trying to provoke and fuel tensions in the Valley.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Pakistan has repeatedly wasted chances to talk and resolve issues. It is time for Pakistan to respond if it wants peace in Kashmir,&quot; she said, lashing out at the neighbouring country.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
PM Modi like all of us is very concerned with the situation in J&amp;K: CM Mehbooba Mufti after meeting PM <a href="https://t.co/vCIExGgUxo">pic.twitter.com/vCIExGgUxo</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/769413945866260480">August 27, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Modi ji took an initiative, our HM took an initiative, they went to Pakistan, but now its upto Pakistan to respond: J&amp;K CM
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/769416623929356288">August 27, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
 
Defending the long spell of curfew in the region, the Jammu and Kashmir chief minister called for talks between interlocutors and all stakeholders on the Kashmir issue.&nbsp; 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Separatists should also come forward and help in saving lives of the innocent youth: J&amp;K Mehbooba Mufti <a href="https://t.co/sauL6fluYj">pic.twitter.com/sauL6fluYj</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/769419871608250368">August 27, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
 
 
Meanwhile, Modi expressed concern over the situation in the Valley.&nbsp; 
 
The meeting comes two days after Indian home minister Rajnath Singh visited the Valley to take stock of the situation. Singh also reiterated the need to substitute the controversial pellet guns that have left hundreds blind during the ongoing unrest.&nbsp; 
 
Kashmir in midst of worst unrest in six years&nbsp; 
 
Embroiled in violence following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8, Kashmir is in the midst of its worst unrest in six years.&nbsp; 
 
Wani represented a new generation of fighter in a region where alienation runs deep even though attacks have fallen in recent years. 
 
About 70 people have been killed and 6,000 injured in month-and-a-half of clashes, many of them wounded by shotgun rounds fired by security forces enforcing a curfew across the Muslim-majority region. 
 
A police constable was shot dead by terrorists in Pulwama district of in the wee hours today. The police constable, Khurshid Ahmed, was killed outside his house in Koil village at around 3:00 a.m.&nbsp; 
 
As per reports, he was leaving his home for duties when the militants shot him from close range. &nbsp;However, the number of militants has still not been ascertained. 
 
A youth also died in Pulwama district during protests on Friday, according to media reports, when security forces opened firing during protests.&nbsp; 
 
Normal life remains crippled across Kashmir and roads largely remain deserted amid restrictions. Indian Army and paramilitary personnel have been patrolling the streets of summer capital Srinagar while barricades and concertina wires have been erected in sensitive areas. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Prime Minister expressed concern over the situation in the Kashmir Valley

As the unrest in the Kashmir valley enters its 50th day, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today and discussed the security situation in the state. Following a discussion at 7 Race Course Road, the official residence of the Prime Minister in the capital New Delhi, she accused Pakistan of openly trying to provoke and fuel tensions in the Valley. "Pakistan has repeatedly wasted chances to talk and resolve issues. It is time for Pakistan to respond if it wants peace in Kashmir," she said, lashing out at the neighbouring country. PM Modi like all of us is very concerned with the situation in J&K: CM Mehbooba Mufti after meeting PM pic.twitter.com/vCIExGgUxo — ANI (@ANI_news) August 27, 2016 Modi ji took an initiative, our HM took an initiative, they went to Pakistan, but now its upto Pakistan to respond: J&K CM — ANI (@ANI_news) August 27, 2016 Defending the long spell of curfew in the region, the Jammu and Kashmir chief minister called for talks between interlocutors and all stakeholders on the Kashmir issue. Separatists should also come forward and help in saving lives of the innocent youth: J&K Mehbooba Mufti pic.twitter.com/sauL6fluYj — ANI (@ANI_news) August 27, 2016 Meanwhile, Modi expressed concern over the situation in the Valley. The meeting comes two days after Indian home minister Rajnath Singh visited the Valley to take stock of the situation. Singh also reiterated the need to substitute the controversial pellet guns that have left hundreds blind during the ongoing unrest. Kashmir in midst of worst unrest in six years Embroiled in violence following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8, Kashmir is in the midst of its worst unrest in six years. Wani represented a new generation of fighter in a region where alienation runs deep even though attacks have fallen in recent years. About 70 people have been killed and 6,000 injured in month-and-a-half of clashes, many of them wounded by shotgun rounds fired by security forces enforcing a curfew across the Muslim-majority region. A police constable was shot dead by terrorists in Pulwama district of in the wee hours today. The police constable, Khurshid Ahmed, was killed outside his house in Koil village at around 3:00 a.m. As per reports, he was leaving his home for duties when the militants shot him from close range. However, the number of militants has still not been ascertained. A youth also died in Pulwama district during protests on Friday, according to media reports, when security forces opened firing during protests. Normal life remains crippled across Kashmir and roads largely remain deserted amid restrictions. Indian Army and paramilitary personnel have been patrolling the streets of summer capital Srinagar while barricades and concertina wires have been erected in sensitive areas. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Kashmir chief minister meets Indian PM Modi, accuses Pak of fuelling tension

In an unusual move, Kashmir&#39;s PDP party -- which rules the state along with the BJP and to which the Kashmir chief minister belongs -- appealed today to the hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani to give Jammu and Kashmir&nbsp;chief minister Mehbooba Mufti a chance to address the grievances of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
In a passionate appeal, the PDP said the separatist leader &quot;must think of Mehbooba as his daughter, who also happens to be the first Kashmiri Muslim woman to lead our state&quot;. 
 
&quot;She is not the conventional politician that we deal with most of the times. In case she does not bring about a change, she will be the first to own up and make way. 
 
&quot;I appeal to Geelani sahab to give her a chance, she understands the pain and pulse of the people as she has risen from the grassroots,&quot; PDP chief spokesman and former Lok Sabha member Mehboob Beg said in a statement here. 
 
He appealed to Geelani, who heads the hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference, to cooperate in this regard and give Mehbooba the opportunity that &quot;she deserves&quot;. 
 
Beg hailed Mehbooba&#39;s statement wherein she appealed to the protesters to give her a chance and said &quot;it is only fair that she is given a chance, it is not that she is asking for the moon. 
 
&quot;We must give her a chance to address our grievances as we have done with leaders in the past. She is merely seeking a chance and an opportunity to perform and address the problems faced by the people, we must give her that chance and then judge her,&quot; the statement said. 
 
(PTI)

'In case she does not bring about a change, she will be the first to own up and make way,' said PDP chief spokesman Mehboob Beg

In an unusual move, Kashmir's PDP party -- which rules the state along with the BJP and to which the Kashmir chief minister belongs -- appealed today to the hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani to give Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti a chance to address the grievances of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. In a passionate appeal, the PDP said the separatist leader "must think of Mehbooba as his daughter, who also happens to be the first Kashmiri Muslim woman to lead our state". "She is not the conventional politician that we deal with most of the times. In case she does not bring about a change, she will be the first to own up and make way. "I appeal to Geelani sahab to give her a chance, she understands the pain and pulse of the people as she has risen from the grassroots," PDP chief spokesman and former Lok Sabha member Mehboob Beg said in a statement here. He appealed to Geelani, who heads the hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference, to cooperate in this regard and give Mehbooba the opportunity that "she deserves". Beg hailed Mehbooba's statement wherein she appealed to the protesters to give her a chance and said "it is only fair that she is given a chance, it is not that she is asking for the moon. "We must give her a chance to address our grievances as we have done with leaders in the past. She is merely seeking a chance and an opportunity to perform and address the problems faced by the people, we must give her that chance and then judge her," the statement said. (PTI)

Ruling party PDP asks separatist Geelani to give chief minister 'a chance'

Hardline Hurriyat Conference&nbsp;leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani was today detained as he tried to defy house arrest to march towards the headquarters of the Army at Badamibagh in Jammu and Kashmir in India as part of the proposed protest programme of the separatists. 
 
He was taken into preventive custody outside his Hyderpora residence this afternoon, a police official said. 
 
The Hurriyat hawk was taken to Humhama police station and lodged there, he said. 
 
Geelani was on his way to Badamibagh to hand over a letter to the General officer Commanding of the Army asking the forces to &quot;vacate Jammu and Kashmir&quot;. 
 
Yesterday, chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who tried to take out a march along with his supporters from his Nigeen residence, was also taken into custody and later shifted to Chashma Shahi guest house. 
 
The separatist camp, including both factions of the Hurriyat and the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, has been issuing protest calendars after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Burhan Wani on July 8, and urging people to follow its proposed programme. 
 
So far 68 people have died in clashes between protestors and security forces as Kashmir continues to remain in the grip of shutdowns and curfew for the 49th consecutive day.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

Geelani had defied house arrest, had wanted to hand over a letter to the Army GoC asking the forces to 'vacate Jammu and Kashmir'

Hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani was today detained as he tried to defy house arrest to march towards the headquarters of the Army at Badamibagh in Jammu and Kashmir in India as part of the proposed protest programme of the separatists. He was taken into preventive custody outside his Hyderpora residence this afternoon, a police official said. The Hurriyat hawk was taken to Humhama police station and lodged there, he said. Geelani was on his way to Badamibagh to hand over a letter to the General officer Commanding of the Army asking the forces to "vacate Jammu and Kashmir". Yesterday, chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who tried to take out a march along with his supporters from his Nigeen residence, was also taken into custody and later shifted to Chashma Shahi guest house. The separatist camp, including both factions of the Hurriyat and the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, has been issuing protest calendars after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Burhan Wani on July 8, and urging people to follow its proposed programme. So far 68 people have died in clashes between protestors and security forces as Kashmir continues to remain in the grip of shutdowns and curfew for the 49th consecutive day. (PTI)

Hurriyat leader Geelani detained as he marches to Army HQ

A youth was killed and several others injured in fresh clashes between protestors and security forces in Pulwama district, in India&#39;s northern Kashmir state, raising the death toll to 67.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;One youth identified as 18-year-old Shakeel Ahmad Ganai was brought to district hospital Pulwama with pellet injuries in his chest. He was declared &#39;brought dead&#39; by the doctors,&quot; a police official said. 
 
He said Ganai and several other persons were injured in the action by security forces against protestors at Nikas Arbal in Rajpora area of the district this afternoon. 
 
The ongoing unrest,&nbsp;which broke out a day after separatist organisation, Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter on July 8. 
 
(PTI)

Shakeel Ahmad Ganai, 18, had pellet injuries to his chest. He was declared dead on arrival at the Pulwama district hospital

A youth was killed and several others injured in fresh clashes between protestors and security forces in Pulwama district, in India's northern Kashmir state, raising the death toll to 67. "One youth identified as 18-year-old Shakeel Ahmad Ganai was brought to district hospital Pulwama with pellet injuries in his chest. He was declared 'brought dead' by the doctors," a police official said. He said Ganai and several other persons were injured in the action by security forces against protestors at Nikas Arbal in Rajpora area of the district this afternoon. The ongoing unrest, which broke out a day after separatist organisation, Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter on July 8. (PTI)

Kashmir: Another youth killed in clashes, death toll rises to 67

Mehbooba Mufti, chief minister of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, called for an abrupt end to a press conference in Srinagar at her residence after she was faced with a volley of questions from the media today.&nbsp; 
 
Mufti stood up when she was asked if the government was &quot;sidelining the political issue in Kashmir&quot;. 
 
&ldquo;We are not sidelining the issue of Kashmir. We also want a solution but it has to be peaceful. But some people are hijacking it,&rdquo; she said. 
 
While speaking at the press conference, the chief minister clarified her earlier statement about the percentage of people protesting on the streets. &nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;95 per cent people want peaceful resolution for Kashmir issue but the rest are hijacking it,&rdquo; she said. 
 
The press conference was called by Indian home minister Rajnath Singh. The media was expecting that he would call for its end, but Mufti cut it short. ?Mufti stood up from the dais even while the home minister could be seen sitting. 
 
Adding that she has helped the youth of south Kashmir, the chief minister said,&nbsp;&ldquo;I have saved them from (Special) Task Force, who they were afraid of. They used to take them for bonded labour.&quot; 
 
This is for the first time that a chief minister has acknowledged the STFs &#39;dread&#39; openly.&nbsp;Singh, who appeared calm throughout, made several attempts to cool down the chief minister. 
 
&ldquo;Mehbooba is among you. She belongs to you,&rdquo; he remarked in an attempt to calm her down but, she continued to speak. 
 
The home minister was accompanied by the Indian home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and senior officers of the interior ministry, who returned to New Delhi after the press conference.&nbsp; 
 
Singh was on a two-day visit to Kashmir which has been witnessing mass protests since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in South Kashmir on July 8. Singh has met with as many as 300 people including political delegations from mainstream parties to take stock of the situation in the Valley.&nbsp; 
 
The home minister&#39;s&nbsp;visit was seen as the first major political outreach by the central government to the state, which has been caught up in violence for the last 47 days.&nbsp; 
 
Singh made an appeal to the people of the state to help maintain law and order and restore peace in the Valley where nearly 70 people have been killed and thousands injured in the ongoing unrest.&nbsp; 
 
(WION)

Mufti stood up even while the country's home minister -- who had called the meet -- could be seen sitting.

Mehbooba Mufti, chief minister of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, called for an abrupt end to a press conference in Srinagar at her residence after she was faced with a volley of questions from the media today. Mufti stood up when she was asked if the government was "sidelining the political issue in Kashmir". “We are not sidelining the issue of Kashmir. We also want a solution but it has to be peaceful. But some people are hijacking it,” she said. While speaking at the press conference, the chief minister clarified her earlier statement about the percentage of people protesting on the streets. “95 per cent people want peaceful resolution for Kashmir issue but the rest are hijacking it,” she said. The press conference was called by Indian home minister Rajnath Singh. The media was expecting that he would call for its end, but Mufti cut it short. ?Mufti stood up from the dais even while the home minister could be seen sitting. Adding that she has helped the youth of south Kashmir, the chief minister said, “I have saved them from (Special) Task Force, who they were afraid of. They used to take them for bonded labour." This is for the first time that a chief minister has acknowledged the STFs 'dread' openly. Singh, who appeared calm throughout, made several attempts to cool down the chief minister. “Mehbooba is among you. She belongs to you,” he remarked in an attempt to calm her down but, she continued to speak. The home minister was accompanied by the Indian home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and senior officers of the interior ministry, who returned to New Delhi after the press conference. Singh was on a two-day visit to Kashmir which has been witnessing mass protests since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in South Kashmir on July 8. Singh has met with as many as 300 people including political delegations from mainstream parties to take stock of the situation in the Valley. The home minister's visit was seen as the first major political outreach by the central government to the state, which has been caught up in violence for the last 47 days. Singh made an appeal to the people of the state to help maintain law and order and restore peace in the Valley where nearly 70 people have been killed and thousands injured in the ongoing unrest. (WION)

Faced with volley of questions, Jammu and Kashmir CM abruptly ends press meet

Indian home minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a two-day visit to the troubled northernmost Jammu and Kashmir state, said today that the government will&nbsp;propose a substitute to the controversial pellet guns in the wake of widespread criticism of the crowd-control device.&nbsp; 
 
The use of pellet guns during protests has left thousands of&nbsp;Kashmiris blind amid the current unrest in the Valley. &nbsp;Singh had made a similar assurance last month when he said that government would look for non-lethal alternatives.&nbsp; 
 
Singh also said that ministry&nbsp;of home affairs will soon set up a nodal agency that will look into complaints&nbsp;of Kashmiri youth across the country, Indian media reported.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I had meetings with&nbsp;more than 20 delegations here. All want peace in Kashmir,&quot; he said mentioning that he has been meeting stakeholders during his two-day visit. &nbsp;He has also been driving through the roads in summer capital Srinagar to take stock of the situation.&nbsp; 
 
Accompanied by union home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and other officials,&nbsp;Singh met different wings of administration including security, health and&nbsp;maintenance of essential commodities for the people. 
 
Singh&#39;s second visit this month, however, has been marked with fresh clashes between protesters and the security&nbsp;forces in Pulwara district. One youth was killed in the incident, taking the&nbsp;death toll in the more than a month-old Valley unrest to 66. 
 
Sources said that Singh directed the heads of para-military forces to exercise&nbsp;maximum restraint while dealing with protesters while he appreciated their&nbsp;efforts in maintaining law and order in the Valley. 
 
The home minister was told that essential commodities and health services&nbsp;were not a problem in the Valley. 
 
The current unrest in Kashmir broke out 47 days ago following the killing of&nbsp;Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani on July 8.&nbsp;The region has been marred by curfew and restrictions ever since. 
 
Ahead of his Kashmir visit, Singh had said that &quot;those who believe&nbsp;in Kashmiriyat, Insaniyat and Jamhooriyat (Kashmir s pluralist ethos, humanity&nbsp;and democracy) are welcome.&quot; 
 
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti too said that 95 per cent&nbsp;people of the state don&#39;t want violence, they want peace. &quot;We have to reach out&nbsp;to them,&quot; she said. 
 
A delegation of opposition National Conference led by former chief minister&nbsp;Omar Abdullah too met the home minister and urged him to immediately ban&nbsp;use of pellet guns as a crowd control means in Kashmir. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
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Rajnath Singh had made a similar assurance last month amidst widespread criticism of the crowd-control device that has left thousands blind

Indian home minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a two-day visit to the troubled northernmost Jammu and Kashmir state, said today that the government will propose a substitute to the controversial pellet guns in the wake of widespread criticism of the crowd-control device. The use of pellet guns during protests has left thousands of Kashmiris blind amid the current unrest in the Valley. Singh had made a similar assurance last month when he said that government would look for non-lethal alternatives. Singh also said that ministry of home affairs will soon set up a nodal agency that will look into complaints of Kashmiri youth across the country, Indian media reported. "I had meetings with more than 20 delegations here. All want peace in Kashmir," he said mentioning that he has been meeting stakeholders during his two-day visit. He has also been driving through the roads in summer capital Srinagar to take stock of the situation. Accompanied by union home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and other officials, Singh met different wings of administration including security, health and maintenance of essential commodities for the people. Singh's second visit this month, however, has been marked with fresh clashes between protesters and the security forces in Pulwara district. One youth was killed in the incident, taking the death toll in the more than a month-old Valley unrest to 66. Sources said that Singh directed the heads of para-military forces to exercise maximum restraint while dealing with protesters while he appreciated their efforts in maintaining law and order in the Valley. The home minister was told that essential commodities and health services were not a problem in the Valley. The current unrest in Kashmir broke out 47 days ago following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani on July 8. The region has been marred by curfew and restrictions ever since. Ahead of his Kashmir visit, Singh had said that "those who believe in Kashmiriyat, Insaniyat and Jamhooriyat (Kashmir s pluralist ethos, humanity and democracy) are welcome." Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti too said that 95 per cent people of the state don't want violence, they want peace. "We have to reach out to them," she said. A delegation of opposition National Conference led by former chief minister Omar Abdullah too met the home minister and urged him to immediately ban use of pellet guns as a crowd control means in Kashmir. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Indian home minister: Govt will propose substitute for pellet guns in Kashmir

Amid reports of Pakistani women in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir offering their bangles to the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon for &#39;not doing enough&#39; on the Kashmir issue, the UN said that it fully supports people&#39;s rights to express their opinions peacefully on issues that concern them. 
 
On Tuesday (August 23), hundreds of women in Muzzafarbad, the main city in PoK, held up their bangles -- as an insult hurled at the UN&#39;s head over perceived inaction over violence in Kashmir. &nbsp; 
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Violence has escalated in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Burhan Wani. Clashes between protestors and security forces that began on July 9 have killed 66 and injured thousands more in the worst violence to hit the restive region since 2010.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&quot;I think we are... We are fully supportive of everyone&#39;s right to demonstrate their opinions peacefully about issues that they care about,&quot; Ban&#39;s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters. &nbsp; 
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Ban added he is closely following the clashes in Kashmir and has called on all political parties to &quot;exercise restraint&quot; to avoid further violence. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Hundreds of women in Muzzafarabad offered their bangles to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon over perceived inaction over Kashmir violence

Amid reports of Pakistani women in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir offering their bangles to the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon for 'not doing enough' on the Kashmir issue, the UN said that it fully supports people's rights to express their opinions peacefully on issues that concern them. On Tuesday (August 23), hundreds of women in Muzzafarbad, the main city in PoK, held up their bangles -- as an insult hurled at the UN's head over perceived inaction over violence in Kashmir. Violence has escalated in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Burhan Wani. Clashes between protestors and security forces that began on July 9 have killed 66 and injured thousands more in the worst violence to hit the restive region since 2010. "I think we are... We are fully supportive of everyone's right to demonstrate their opinions peacefully about issues that they care about," Ban's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters. Ban added he is closely following the clashes in Kashmir and has called on all political parties to "exercise restraint" to avoid further violence. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Support people's right to protest: UN Secretary General on reports of PoK protest

Indian home minister Rajnath Singh, who began a significant two-day visit of the Kashmir Valley today, has asserted that with civil society groups, political parties and other stakeholders in Kashmir. 
 
He invited all those believe in &quot;Kashmiriyat (ethos of Kashmiri culture), Insaniyat (humanity) and Jamhooriyat (democracy)&quot; as he takes stock of the situation in the Valley hit by violence after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen millitant commander Burhan Wani on July 8.&nbsp; 
 
Singh, who is accompanied by home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, will review the situation in Kashmir where as many as 65 persons have been killed and more than 8,000 &nbsp;have been injured in clashes between protestors and security forces that broke out in the wake of Wani&#39;s killing. &nbsp;He arrived at Srinagar airport at 11.30 AM in a special plane.
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I will be staying at the Nehru Guest House. Those who believe in Kashmiriyat, Insaniyat and Jamhooriyat are welcome.
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Leaving New Delhi for Srinagar on a two day visit. Shall interact with civil society groups, political parties and other stakeholders.
&mdash; Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/768306991571750912">August 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
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This is his second visit to the Kashmir Valley in a month. &nbsp;He is likely to emphasise the various development projects and employment schemes undertaken for the youth in the valley. 
 
The home minister&#39;s visit to Kashmir comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s interaction with a delegation of opposition parties led by former state chief minister Omar Abdullah in the national capital on Monday. 
 
Modi had expressed &quot;deep concern and pain&quot; over the situation there and had asked all political parties to work together to find a &quot;permanent and lasting&quot; solution to problems in Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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This is his second visit to the Valley where more than 60 people have died, 8,000 have been injured

Indian home minister Rajnath Singh, who began a significant two-day visit of the Kashmir Valley today, has asserted that with civil society groups, political parties and other stakeholders in Kashmir. He invited all those believe in "Kashmiriyat (ethos of Kashmiri culture), Insaniyat (humanity) and Jamhooriyat (democracy)" as he takes stock of the situation in the Valley hit by violence after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen millitant commander Burhan Wani on July 8. Singh, who is accompanied by home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, will review the situation in Kashmir where as many as 65 persons have been killed and more than 8,000 have been injured in clashes between protestors and security forces that broke out in the wake of Wani's killing. He arrived at Srinagar airport at 11.30 AM in a special plane. I will be staying at the Nehru Guest House. Those who believe in Kashmiriyat, Insaniyat and Jamhooriyat are welcome. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 24, 2016 Leaving New Delhi for Srinagar on a two day visit. Shall interact with civil society groups, political parties and other stakeholders. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 24, 2016 This is his second visit to the Kashmir Valley in a month. He is likely to emphasise the various development projects and employment schemes undertaken for the youth in the valley. The home minister's visit to Kashmir comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interaction with a delegation of opposition parties led by former state chief minister Omar Abdullah in the national capital on Monday. Modi had expressed "deep concern and pain" over the situation there and had asked all political parties to work together to find a "permanent and lasting" solution to problems in Jammu and Kashmir. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Indian home minister Rajnath Singh visits Kashmir valley to take stock of unrest?

At least 17 people were injured after fresh protests broke out in the Shopian district of Kashmir and&nbsp;security forces fired pellets at stone pelters. Thirteen of the injured were discharged after being administered first-aid at a local hospital. 
 
Hundreds of people from Vehil village&nbsp;were protesting this afternoon against the recent civilian killings in the Kashmir&nbsp;valley when some &quot;miscreants&quot; started pelting stones at security forces, a police official said. 
 
The&nbsp;forces retaliated by firing tear smoke shells and pellet guns, the official said. 
 
&quot;Four of the injured have been referred to hospitals in Srinagar for specialised treatment,&quot; he added. 
 
Reports of stone pelting were also received from Nowgam area of the city, Khushhaalpora in Sopore area of Baramulla district and Bandipora town, the official said. 
 
The protest comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there was a need to find a permanent solution to the problem within the framework of the Constitution. 
 
65 persons, including two policemen, have been killed and several thousand others injured in the clashes that began on July 9, a day after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan&nbsp;Wani was killed by security forces in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district. 
 
Meanwhile, normal life remained paralysed in the Valley for the 46th consecutive day due to curfew, and the separatist-called&nbsp;strike. 
 
Shops, private offices, educational institutions and petrol pumps remained closed while public transport continued to stay off the roads. Mobile internet also continued to remain suspended in the entire Valley, and calling facilities&nbsp;on prepaid mobiles remained barred. 
 
(DNA webdesk)&nbsp;

The protests came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there was a need to find a permanent solution to the problem

At least 17 people were injured after fresh protests broke out in the Shopian district of Kashmir and security forces fired pellets at stone pelters. Thirteen of the injured were discharged after being administered first-aid at a local hospital. Hundreds of people from Vehil village were protesting this afternoon against the recent civilian killings in the Kashmir valley when some "miscreants" started pelting stones at security forces, a police official said. The forces retaliated by firing tear smoke shells and pellet guns, the official said. "Four of the injured have been referred to hospitals in Srinagar for specialised treatment," he added. Reports of stone pelting were also received from Nowgam area of the city, Khushhaalpora in Sopore area of Baramulla district and Bandipora town, the official said. The protest comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there was a need to find a permanent solution to the problem within the framework of the Constitution. 65 persons, including two policemen, have been killed and several thousand others injured in the clashes that began on July 9, a day after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed by security forces in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district. Meanwhile, normal life remained paralysed in the Valley for the 46th consecutive day due to curfew, and the separatist-called strike. Shops, private offices, educational institutions and petrol pumps remained closed while public transport continued to stay off the roads. Mobile internet also continued to remain suspended in the entire Valley, and calling facilities on prepaid mobiles remained barred. (DNA webdesk)

17 more injured in clashes between protesters and security forces in Kashmir

The Border Security Force (BSF) was deployed in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu &amp; Kashmir, today after a gap of 12 years. The BSF is&nbsp;the primary force responsible for the guarding of India&#39;s borders.&nbsp; 
 
It was taken off counter-insurgency operations in the Kashmir valley in 2004. 
 
BSF personnel were deployed in the commercial hub of Lal Chowk in the city and adjoining areas for law and order duties, a police official said. 
 
Officials from the civil administration, BSF and police top brass refused to comment on the deployment of the force in the city. 
 
This is the first time since 2004 that the BSF has been deployed on active duty in the city. 
 
The BSF, which took part in anti-militancy operations in Kashmir for nearly 13 years starting from 1991, was replaced in the city by the Central reserve Police Force (CRPF) in 2004. 
 
BSF troops were then moved to their primary duty of guarding the Line of Control and the international border. 
 
&nbsp;(PTI)

They were deployed in Srinagar's Lal Chowk today. BSF and the police top brass refused to say why

The Border Security Force (BSF) was deployed in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, today after a gap of 12 years. The BSF is the primary force responsible for the guarding of India's borders. It was taken off counter-insurgency operations in the Kashmir valley in 2004. BSF personnel were deployed in the commercial hub of Lal Chowk in the city and adjoining areas for law and order duties, a police official said. Officials from the civil administration, BSF and police top brass refused to comment on the deployment of the force in the city. This is the first time since 2004 that the BSF has been deployed on active duty in the city. The BSF, which took part in anti-militancy operations in Kashmir for nearly 13 years starting from 1991, was replaced in the city by the Central reserve Police Force (CRPF) in 2004. BSF troops were then moved to their primary duty of guarding the Line of Control and the international border. (PTI)

India deploys Border Security Force in Kashmir after 12 years

As unrest continues in the Kashmir valley, the Indian government on Sunday outlined its priorities. It asserted that there will be no compromise with people resorting to violence even as efforts would be made for the&nbsp;development of the state which had been &quot;denied&quot; for the last 60 years. 
 
Acknowledging that the situation in Kashmir was &quot;serious&quot;, Indian finance minister Arun Jaitley said stone pelters in Kashmir are &quot;not satyagrahis (persons who stand for truth) but aggressors&quot; who target police and security forces but that some people with limited vision cannot see that. 
 
Addressing a rally on the outskirts of Jammu city, he also slammed Pakistan for the current unrest, saying it was &quot;attacking the integrity of India&quot; in a &quot;new way&quot; after failing to snatch the state by means of waging war and fuelling trouble ever since Partition in 1947. 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has three priorities for Jammu and Kashmir, said Jaitley. 
 
Outlining these priorities, he said, &quot;There will be no compromise on the security and integrity of the country and no compromise with the people who indulge in violence. 
 
&quot;Secondly, as Jammu and Kashmir has faced violence and wars, it needs development which was denied for past 60 years by National Conference and Congress governments. Thirdly, Jammu, being the support base of BJP, needs added attention.&quot; 
 
His outlining of the priorities assumes signficance as the opposition has been accusing the Modi government of having no policy with regard to dealing with the unrest. The opposition parties have been pressing for a political solution and dialogue to address the unrest. 
 
Talking in the context of ongoing 44-day unrest in Kashmir, Jaitley said, &quot;Now, this time, a serious situation has emerged in which Pakistan, separatists and religious forces have joined hands and now with a new way, they are attacking the integrity of India.&quot; 
 
Describing it as a &quot;major challenge&quot;, he said, &quot;today in such a challenge, the need of the country is that we don&#39;t compromise with the integrity and security of the nation&quot;. 
 
He asked people of Jammu and Kashmir to stand with the country in the &quot;struggle against the separatists&quot; so that &quot;this new phase of Pakistani strategy of war is defeated this time as well&quot;. 
 
He described stone-pelters as aggressors. 
 
&quot;They (stone pelters) are not satyagrahis but aggressors. If a police post manned by 10 police personnel is attacked by 2000 stone pelters, it is an attack, but some people do not realise it,&quot; he said. 
 
(PTI)

The finance minister says stone pelters are 'aggressors' but people with limited vision cannot see that

As unrest continues in the Kashmir valley, the Indian government on Sunday outlined its priorities. It asserted that there will be no compromise with people resorting to violence even as efforts would be made for the development of the state which had been "denied" for the last 60 years. Acknowledging that the situation in Kashmir was "serious", Indian finance minister Arun Jaitley said stone pelters in Kashmir are "not satyagrahis (persons who stand for truth) but aggressors" who target police and security forces but that some people with limited vision cannot see that. Addressing a rally on the outskirts of Jammu city, he also slammed Pakistan for the current unrest, saying it was "attacking the integrity of India" in a "new way" after failing to snatch the state by means of waging war and fuelling trouble ever since Partition in 1947. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has three priorities for Jammu and Kashmir, said Jaitley. Outlining these priorities, he said, "There will be no compromise on the security and integrity of the country and no compromise with the people who indulge in violence. "Secondly, as Jammu and Kashmir has faced violence and wars, it needs development which was denied for past 60 years by National Conference and Congress governments. Thirdly, Jammu, being the support base of BJP, needs added attention." His outlining of the priorities assumes signficance as the opposition has been accusing the Modi government of having no policy with regard to dealing with the unrest. The opposition parties have been pressing for a political solution and dialogue to address the unrest. Talking in the context of ongoing 44-day unrest in Kashmir, Jaitley said, "Now, this time, a serious situation has emerged in which Pakistan, separatists and religious forces have joined hands and now with a new way, they are attacking the integrity of India." Describing it as a "major challenge", he said, "today in such a challenge, the need of the country is that we don't compromise with the integrity and security of the nation". He asked people of Jammu and Kashmir to stand with the country in the "struggle against the separatists" so that "this new phase of Pakistani strategy of war is defeated this time as well". He described stone-pelters as aggressors. "They (stone pelters) are not satyagrahis but aggressors. If a police post manned by 10 police personnel is attacked by 2000 stone pelters, it is an attack, but some people do not realise it," he said. (PTI)

India on Kashmir: No compromise with those indulging in violence

A delegation of opposition leaders from India&#39;s Kashmir met President Pranab Mukherjee in capital New Delhi on Saturday to apprise him of the prevailing unrest in the northern province. 
 
Kashmir has been on the boil since Indian security forces gunned down 22-year-old Burhan Wani, leader of Hizbul Mujahideen, a group fighting Indian control of the Muslim-majority region, on July 8.&nbsp;Wani represented a new generation of fighters in a region where alienation runs deep even though attacks have fallen dramatically in recent years.&nbsp;His killing has triggered the Valley&#39;s worst outbreak of violence in six years. 
 
The delegation included leaders from National Conference, Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), Congress, Democratic Party Front (DPF) and People&#39;s Democratic Front (PDF). 
 
The delegation called for a political plan to diffuse the over month-and-a-half long crisis in India&#39;s only Muslim-majority state. 
 
&quot;The motive was to bring to the president&#39;s notice the situation with which the state of Jammu and Kashmir and especially the Kashmir valley is grappling. According to us, this is a big human tragedy which is being faced by our people,&quot; said a leader of CPI (M), Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami. 
 
Tarigami alleged that the federal and state government had so far followed an inhuman approach in tackling the situation. 
 
Meanwhile, curfew continued to remain in force for the 43rd consecutive day in the Valley with the police personnel maintaining strict vigil in Srinagar, the&nbsp;summer capital of the province. Shops remained shut and roads deserted as civilians chose to stay indoors.&nbsp;Repeated clashes between protesters and security forces have overwhelmed hospitals, where some patients with severe injuries said they had been beaten in their homes by troops. 
 
At least 65 people have been killed and 6,000 injured in the ensuing clashes, many of them wounded by pellets fired by security forces enforcing a curfew across the region.&nbsp;India has urged its security forces to act with restraint as they try to keep protesters off the streets and quell near-daily violence, but many segments have accused troops of using excessive force. 
 
Kashmir is at the centre of a decades-old rivalry between India and Pakistan, which rules a northwestern section of the divided region, and backed an insurgency in the late 1980s and 1990s that Indian security forces largely crushed.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)

The delegation has called for a political plan to diffuse the month-and-a-half long crisis in Kashmir

A delegation of opposition leaders from India's Kashmir met President Pranab Mukherjee in capital New Delhi on Saturday to apprise him of the prevailing unrest in the northern province. Kashmir has been on the boil since Indian security forces gunned down 22-year-old Burhan Wani, leader of Hizbul Mujahideen, a group fighting Indian control of the Muslim-majority region, on July 8. Wani represented a new generation of fighters in a region where alienation runs deep even though attacks have fallen dramatically in recent years. His killing has triggered the Valley's worst outbreak of violence in six years. The delegation included leaders from National Conference, Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), Congress, Democratic Party Front (DPF) and People's Democratic Front (PDF). The delegation called for a political plan to diffuse the over month-and-a-half long crisis in India's only Muslim-majority state. "The motive was to bring to the president's notice the situation with which the state of Jammu and Kashmir and especially the Kashmir valley is grappling. According to us, this is a big human tragedy which is being faced by our people," said a leader of CPI (M), Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami. Tarigami alleged that the federal and state government had so far followed an inhuman approach in tackling the situation. Meanwhile, curfew continued to remain in force for the 43rd consecutive day in the Valley with the police personnel maintaining strict vigil in Srinagar, the summer capital of the province. Shops remained shut and roads deserted as civilians chose to stay indoors. Repeated clashes between protesters and security forces have overwhelmed hospitals, where some patients with severe injuries said they had been beaten in their homes by troops. At least 65 people have been killed and 6,000 injured in the ensuing clashes, many of them wounded by pellets fired by security forces enforcing a curfew across the region. India has urged its security forces to act with restraint as they try to keep protesters off the streets and quell near-daily violence, but many segments have accused troops of using excessive force. Kashmir is at the centre of a decades-old rivalry between India and Pakistan, which rules a northwestern section of the divided region, and backed an insurgency in the late 1980s and 1990s that Indian security forces largely crushed. (Reuters)

Kashmir opposition leaders meet Indian President Pranab Mukherjee

Amid an outrage in Kashmir Valley, Indian Army on Friday said that actions by its soldiers like the one in which a lecturer was killed will not be tolerated.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;These raids were not sanctioned in the first place. It is unjustified. Nobody can support it and it will not be tolerated,&quot; northern army commander lieutenant general DS Hooda told reporters here. 
 
He said an inquiry has been ordered into the incident that took place during the intervening night of August 17 and 18 in Khrew area of Pulwama district in South Kashmir.&nbsp; 
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<h5>Asked about the circumstances that led to the incident, the army commander said according to information he has, the troops came under stone pelting by the mobs.</h5>
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Shabir Ahmad Monga, a lecturer, was killed and 18 others sustained injuries when they were thrashed by army personnel who were conducting nocturnal raids to arrest stone pelters in the area. 
 
Asked about the circumstances that led to the incident, the army commander said according to information he has, the troops came under stone pelting by the mobs. 
 
&quot;The instructions are there to exercise maximum restraint but these are difficult times. The security forces are facing tough times and sometimes things get out of hand,&quot; he added. 
 
It&#39;s been more than a month that Kashmir has remained on a boil after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed on July 8.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)&nbsp;

An inquiry has been ordered to investigate into the recent night raids that triggered outrage, northern army commander told

Amid an outrage in Kashmir Valley, Indian Army on Friday said that actions by its soldiers like the one in which a lecturer was killed will not be tolerated. "These raids were not sanctioned in the first place. It is unjustified. Nobody can support it and it will not be tolerated," northern army commander lieutenant general DS Hooda told reporters here. He said an inquiry has been ordered into the incident that took place during the intervening night of August 17 and 18 in Khrew area of Pulwama district in South Kashmir. Asked about the circumstances that led to the incident, the army commander said according to information he has, the troops came under stone pelting by the mobs. Shabir Ahmad Monga, a lecturer, was killed and 18 others sustained injuries when they were thrashed by army personnel who were conducting nocturnal raids to arrest stone pelters in the area. Asked about the circumstances that led to the incident, the army commander said according to information he has, the troops came under stone pelting by the mobs. "The instructions are there to exercise maximum restraint but these are difficult times. The security forces are facing tough times and sometimes things get out of hand," he added. It's been more than a month that Kashmir has remained on a boil after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed on July 8. (PTI)

'Raids were not sanctioned,' says Indian Army after lecturer's killing in Kashmir?

Curfew was today extended to several places in Kashmir Valley in India as a precautionary measure in view of the call for a march given by separatist leaders.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Curfew has been extended to many towns including Aripathan and Magam areas in Budgam district to maintain law and order,&quot; a police official said. 
 
The call for march from Aripthan area of Budgam district in the Valley was given by separatists against the death of four civilians in clashes between federal law enforcement and civil agency Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) &nbsp;and protesters there on August 16. 
 
Normal life remained paralysed for the 42nd day in the Valley which has been rocked by violence after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8. 
 
Curfew also remained in force in entire Srinagar district, Anantnag town, Pampore town, Shopian town, Khanpora in Baramulla, Ganderbal town and Kaloosa in Bandipora district today, the official said. 
 
Restrictions on the movement of the people were in force in rest of the Valley. 
 
The separatist camp, headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik, has extended the agitation till August 25.&nbsp; 
 
Schools, colleges and private offices remained closed while public transport remained off roads. The attendance in government offices was thin. Mobile internet and telephony services also remained suspended. 
 
As many as 64 persons including two police personnel have been killed and several thousand others injured in the clashes that began on July 9.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)&nbsp;

While unrest refuses to die down, the separatist camp in the Valley has decided to continue the agitation till August 25

Curfew was today extended to several places in Kashmir Valley in India as a precautionary measure in view of the call for a march given by separatist leaders. "Curfew has been extended to many towns including Aripathan and Magam areas in Budgam district to maintain law and order," a police official said. The call for march from Aripthan area of Budgam district in the Valley was given by separatists against the death of four civilians in clashes between federal law enforcement and civil agency Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and protesters there on August 16. Normal life remained paralysed for the 42nd day in the Valley which has been rocked by violence after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8. Curfew also remained in force in entire Srinagar district, Anantnag town, Pampore town, Shopian town, Khanpora in Baramulla, Ganderbal town and Kaloosa in Bandipora district today, the official said. Restrictions on the movement of the people were in force in rest of the Valley. The separatist camp, headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik, has extended the agitation till August 25. Schools, colleges and private offices remained closed while public transport remained off roads. The attendance in government offices was thin. Mobile internet and telephony services also remained suspended. As many as 64 persons including two police personnel have been killed and several thousand others injured in the clashes that began on July 9. (PTI)

India: Curfew extended to several areas in Kashmir as separatists call for march

Soldiers raided a village in Kashmir valley in India overnight in an attempt to quash ongoing protests, leaving one civilian dead and dozens injured, police and witnesses said Thursday. 
 
Villagers said soldiers from a nearby Indian army camp ransacked homes in Khrew village and beat residents with bamboo sticks, leading to the death of a teacher. 
 
&quot;They beat up men, women, and children and took away many young men with them. We discovered the battered body of Shabir Mangoo on a village street in the morning,&quot; said one villager who asked not to be named, fearing reprisals. 
 
Army spokesman Colonel NN Joshi confirmed the raid on the village 25 kilometres (16 miles) south-east of the main city of Srinagar, saying &quot;the incident is being investigated&quot;. 
 
Kashmir has been in the grip of almost daily anti-India protests and rolling curfews sparked by the killing on July 8 of a popular rebel leader, Burhan Wani, in a gunfight with government forces. 
 
&quot;One person was also found dead after the raid,&quot; a police officer told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that around 28 villagers were taken away by the soldiers. 
 
The army raid, the third in recent days, comes after five weeks of unrest that have left more than 60 people dead. 
 
India has clamped down hard on protests, with the army accused of using brutal tactics to suppress demonstrators. 
 
&quot;First, the electricity went off and soldiers soon started attacking our home, beating up all of us including my 10-year-old niece,&quot; villager Ghulam Hassan told AFP from his hospital bed in Srinagar. 
 
Dr Nazir Chaudhary, medical superintendent at the main SMHS hospital in Srinagar told AFP, 24 injured villagers had been admitted for treatment. 
 
A daytime curfew in place across the territory was extended to night-time Wednesday, with police forcing shops to close and soldiers setting up additional roadblocks and checkpoints to restrict residents&#39; movement. 
 
Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947. Both claim the Himalayan territory in full. 
 
Several rebel groups, including Wani&#39;s Hizbul Mujahideen, have fought for decades 500,000 Indian troops deployed in the territory, demanding independence for the region or its merger with Pakistan. 
 
(AFP) 
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Villagers said soldiers from a nearby army camp ransacked homes in Khrew village and beat residents with bamboo sticks, killing a teacher

Soldiers raided a village in Kashmir valley in India overnight in an attempt to quash ongoing protests, leaving one civilian dead and dozens injured, police and witnesses said Thursday. Villagers said soldiers from a nearby Indian army camp ransacked homes in Khrew village and beat residents with bamboo sticks, leading to the death of a teacher. "They beat up men, women, and children and took away many young men with them. We discovered the battered body of Shabir Mangoo on a village street in the morning," said one villager who asked not to be named, fearing reprisals. Army spokesman Colonel NN Joshi confirmed the raid on the village 25 kilometres (16 miles) south-east of the main city of Srinagar, saying "the incident is being investigated". Kashmir has been in the grip of almost daily anti-India protests and rolling curfews sparked by the killing on July 8 of a popular rebel leader, Burhan Wani, in a gunfight with government forces. "One person was also found dead after the raid," a police officer told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that around 28 villagers were taken away by the soldiers. The army raid, the third in recent days, comes after five weeks of unrest that have left more than 60 people dead. India has clamped down hard on protests, with the army accused of using brutal tactics to suppress demonstrators. "First, the electricity went off and soldiers soon started attacking our home, beating up all of us including my 10-year-old niece," villager Ghulam Hassan told AFP from his hospital bed in Srinagar. Dr Nazir Chaudhary, medical superintendent at the main SMHS hospital in Srinagar told AFP, 24 injured villagers had been admitted for treatment. A daytime curfew in place across the territory was extended to night-time Wednesday, with police forcing shops to close and soldiers setting up additional roadblocks and checkpoints to restrict residents' movement. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947. Both claim the Himalayan territory in full. Several rebel groups, including Wani's Hizbul Mujahideen, have fought for decades 500,000 Indian troops deployed in the territory, demanding independence for the region or its merger with Pakistan. (AFP)

Indian Army raids Kashmir village to quell protest, leaves one dead

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